A professor emeritus, Professor Ebiegberi Alagoa of Niger Delta University, has called for the preservation and expansion of Ijaw ancestral cultures, for the benefit of present and future generations.
Alagoa, a History professor, made the call at the launching of a book written by Chief Nengi James and Mr Inemo Oruwari, in Yenagoa.
He said that efforts should be made by the intelligentsia to propagate and expand traditional values through active use of indigenous languages and communication methods.
The professor emeritus urged researchers to use academic research techniques to enhance the status of Ijaw culture.
He said the 107-page book titled ‘Kule’, was capable of generating topics for academic discourse and research.
Alagoa noted that the legacies left behind by the ancestors were being lost to foreign cultural influences.
The historian said ‘Kule’ was the drum praise delivered in poetry and musical forms used by the traditional institution in Ijawland across the Niger Delta region.
He explained that ‘Kule,’ a traditional non-verbal communication art form, cuts across ethnic and language barriers and was used to communicate the mood and emotions of the Ijaw people.
While reviewing the book, Dr Steven Olali, said that the book presents the rich culture of Nembe people.
“Kule is a compilation of drum titles of towns, deities, traditional rulers, prominent individuals, familiar animals spread across the Niger Delta.
“The book offers a fascinating glimpse of how various communities and people express their world using drum beatings to communicate in praise and poetry,” Olali said.
The Chief Launcher, Mr Kingsley Kuku, who was represented by Partason Ogori, commended the authors for documenting the traditional art form of the Ijaws. (NAN)
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