𝐁𝐄𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐊

Atụ-Ọ̀kọ̄ñkọ̀ in modern day Opobo.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐭𝐮̣-𝐎̣̀𝐤𝐨̣̂𝐧̃𝐤𝐨̣̀ 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐩𝐨𝐛𝐨 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐝𝐨𝐦.

Atụ-Ọ̀kọ̄ñkọ̀  is one of the masquerade groups in Opobo Kingdom of Rivers State. The Masquerade's unique costumes distinguishes it from the other masquerades in the kingdom. 

It is notable for the spikelike horns and animal fur on the head, the bell on the waist and the rattle shells fastened to the waist by strings, as well as a piece of cloth tied to the waist.

The Masquerade's name is derived from two words "Átụ́", which is the Igbo word for the buffalo and "Ọ̀kọ̄ñkọ̀", which interpret as "The Buffalo Okonko". 

The Okonko masquerade, has its origin in North-Eastern Igbo land, in the old Bende Division. 

It is linked to the Ibini-Ukpabi oracle of Arochukwu. 

Atụ-Ọ̀kọ̄ñkọ̀ play of late Chief Ogolo of Opobo,  photographed by Arthur Tremearne, c. 1913. MAA Cambridge.

It is the fusion of the Akang and Mboko stages of the Ekpe society, bought from  the neighboring Efik, with the Igbo Mmọnwụ traditional systems.

.The Okonko spread from Arochukwu to other areas when the Aro confederacy in the East Lower Niger area.

The Aro (mostly the agents of Ibini-Ukpabi) who possesed the secret "Mgbara",  established the society in the areas where they settled.

Okonko masquerades are outed during festivities such as Iwa ji and at burial ceremonies of members. 

The Okonko spread to areas like Ọhụhụ, Ngwa, Bende, Obowo, Ndọki and from there to their Ubani kith and kin at Bonny and Opobo. 

As time went on, there became several varieties of the Okonko, with different masking. The Atu grade are considered aggressive minor players

The Atụ-Okonko is one of such, inspired by the African buffalo.

The Buffalo is one of Africa's most dreaded animals, one of the “big five,” a term grouping them with leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and lions as the most dangerous animals to hunt in Africa..

A buffalo has a reputation of lying in wait for pursuers and charging at the last minute. They are aggressive and unpredictable, tending to charge unrepentantly and for no apparent reason. Due to its dangerous personality, it is also known as "The Black Death".

A Buffalo is also a very fast animal, with an average speed of  57km/h.

Looking at the head of the Atụ-okonko Masquerade, one would see a cluster of curled horns. These represents a herd of Buffalos. Buffalos are always found in herds, leading and themselves against predators such as Lions, leopards, hyenas, etc. They usually kill such predators with their powerful horns and hooves.

This signifies the philosophy of "Igwe bu ike", which means the herd (crowd) is strength. This is also a pointer to the members of the community who watch the Atụ-Okonko Masquerades that there is strength in unity, symbolized by the multiple Buffalo horns.

The Atụ-Okonko Masquerade in its performance is unpredictable, just like the Buffalo is. This symbolizes life's unpredictability and how humans should not be unprepared to face any part of life. 

There are other qualities of the Buffalo that made it totemic for  this variant of Okonko. These are: strength, determination, fearlessness. In Africa, the buffalo is also regarded as a symbol of fertility. 

It is believed that if one was in trouble and dreamt of a buffalo standing and facing him, he would find a friend who would help him out of trouble. 

Also, if one was chased by a buffalo in the dream, it is  believed he would be attacked and defeated by very powerful enemies.

One could see the skin and fur beneath the horns. That's the Buffalo's skin, signifying toughness. The meat of the Buffalo is so tough and takes so much time to cook.

The rattle shells and the bell on the Masquerade's waist represents alertness. 

The piece of cloth on the waist signifies honour. Before the 19th century, the  cloth used to be of traditionally woven fabric. However, from the mid 19th century,  the popular "George" wrapper became prized amongst most tribes in the defunct Oil Rivers Protectorate, as well as in the Crossriver Igbo areas of Bende, Arochukwu, Abriba, Abam and Ohafia. 

The fabric is expensive and was reserved for ceremonial purposes. 

It holds a cane on one hand which represents discipline. The Okonko played judicial and religious roles in the precolonial Igbo administration.

The Atụ-Okonko is a graceful embodiment of the characteristics of two totems: the Buffalo and the Leopard.

The leopard is the inspiration behind the Ekpe society that had given rise to the Okonko Masquerade, although the Okonko was a quasi-Ekpe society, having just two out of the seven to nine grades of the full Ekpe society.

This blend of characters of two out of the five most dreaded mammals in Africa, it is a wonderful one. It is indeed. 

The Mmọnwụ system is stemmed out of the belief in that the spirits of the ancestors take forms to visit humans and send various messages. Masquerades are therefore seen as "the spirits of the ancestors" speaking to the living humans in various ways. 

The Atụ-Okonko portrays the messages of the ancestors "Ndichie" through its very own appearance and costumes. 

This message clearly states that we humans should like the Buffalo should be determined, United, strong, tough, unpredictable, and defensive.

When next you see an Atụ-Okonko, don't just see a nefarious Masquerade, but be reminded of these positive characters of a buffalo and remember that nature always has something to teach humans. 

The Atụ-Okonko are living letters and counsels of the ancestors, speaking the wisdom embedded in nature.

African masks are not just made. They are of significance. But such are embedded in mystery. Remember, the elders (Ndichie) eat their words with the oil of proverbs.

What do you think of the Atụ-okonko Masquerade of Opobo Kingdom?

By Akachukwu Vitalis

Source: Igbohistory3000BC