ABSTRACT

This study was intended to evaluate the functions and relevance of costume in NgwasEkpe festival. This study was guided by the following objectives; To identify, describe the various costumes associated with the Ngwa-Ekpe Festival, to find out the roles specific costumes play in the celebration of the festival and To establish the educational values of the Ngwa-Ekpe festival and its art Elements.

The study employed the survey research design; questionnaires in addition to library research were applied in order to collect data. Primary and secondary data sources were used for the study. The respondents under the study were 28 staff of The Abia State Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The study findings revealed that the costumes of the Ekpe festival include: the George wrapper, Ishiagu, OkpuAgu, loin cloths, beads, Ichaka and the masquerades. That the festival teaches the young generation of the Ngwa people the history and bravely of an Ngwa man.

The findings of the study would promote cultural education among the youth in the Ngwa area while creating cultural awareness about African cultural values.