Hello everyone, I am happy to share this amazing painting with you. This painting shows the beautiful culture of the Ehugbo people in Afikpo North, Ebonyi state, Nigeria.
In the painting, I immersed myself in the creative process of depicting the fine and significant costumes worn by the masquerade.
Title: Ochi Ngwa
Medium: Oil colour on canvas
Size: 2.5x4.5 ft
Year: 2023
Artist: Eze Joseph (
This is a classic man, a man of style.
He is called Anuma Ehe particularly because of the mask which shows and means grievance.
He is also called Ochi Ngwa because of how he's always beautifully decorated and he is mostly called Ovu Enyo by almost everyone in the community because of the shinny mirrors which he carries in front and back of the head.
From the top, he is carrying what we call 'Abo' (Abo is mainly a mini basin used by women to load farm tools or market goods).
The Abo is placed on a well folded Eju (this is usually a piece of wrapper folded and placed on the head which is used in carrying things).
On the Abo, some little mirrors is placed at the front and at the back, this serves as eyes and the mirrors also play a role in attracting beautiful women.
On the top of the Abo, three colourful Ikanda is place at the front and back for more beautification and attraction.
He wears asi-olu (necklace), Eguhu over Uwe-uhu on upper part of the body.
He wears wrappers on the waist which are of three colours namely; red, white, black with dots on them and the blue wrapper which is very significant in Ehugbo culture is called Ukara and it is used to support the inner wear.
He uses a staff (walking stick) for dignity and support and carries an alcohol which he shares with elders on his way around the village.
