Investigating gender stereotypes and musicality in Esan, Edo State, Nigeria
Abstract
- Abstract
- This article examines the Ijieleghe and Igbabonelimin acrobatic dances for female and male ensembles. The data was obtained through ethnographic research techniques which include research in the library, interviews, focus group discussions, the use of interlocutors and participant observation. We found that both genres stem from the same source and are similar in dance patterns, repertory and musical instruments. While Ijieleghe performers wear light costumes, those of Igbabonelimin are heavy and sometimes accompanied by male and female masquerades. In Igbabonelimin, however, women are not admitted into any of its departments; while in Ijieleghe, male participants are confined to drumming and singing. Only the female participants perform the dance. This paper asks: Why is it that women cannot be admitted into the membership of the sonic space of men in the Igbabonelimin? What will happen if these ensembles admit members of the opposite sexes into gender restricted areas? These questions are what this paper intends to answer. However, while we are aware that there are gender-based restrictions that are not conducive to integration in this day and age, it is our view that in the light of present-day realities in Nigeria, gender restrictions should be challenged to lengthen and enhance the longevity of these ensembles.
Description
- Description
- pages: 71-90
Subjects
People & roles
- Author
-
Aluede, Esther Omone
Value Annotations
Value Annotations
- Is Part Of
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University
-
Aluede, Charles Onomudo
Value Annotations
Value Annotations
- Is Part Of
- Ambrose Alli University
Origins & context
- Title
- Investigating gender stereotypes and musicality in Esan, Edo State, Nigeria
- Type
- Text
- Language
- English
- Parent project
- International Library of African Music
- is funded by
-
Rhodes University
- Place of Origin
- South Africa
- Created Date
- February 28, 2022
Rights & access
- License
- CC-BY-NC-SA-4.0
- Access Rights
- Public
- Copyright Date
- January 1, 2022
Identifiers & sources
- DRE ID
- eaa-99-03f1
- Identifier
-
2431
Value Annotations
Value Annotations
- Type
- Publisher, distributor, or vendor stock number
Further details
- WissKI URL
- 83192