Title

Mgba Ikpo

Identifier

Ihe-O3

Creator

Godfrey Oyim

Date

2024

Format

104 x 153 cm

Medium

Acrylic on canvas

Abstract

This painting depicts two galant and experienced wrestlers challenging each other in a bout. In Afikpo we have three major age grades that have been known to perform greatly in wrestling contests in Afikpo. They are Ibuzo mgba, Isi ogo, and Ikpo. Ibuzo mgba group are children starters who set the stage for the next age grade. The second age grade is Isi ogo, the age set that is between Ibuzo mgba and Ikpo. They engage in wresting bouts before the main show involving the Ikpos. The star wrestlers from the outgoing age grade, Ikpo, are the major attraction. They wrestle last. After a wrestling season, the Ikpo age group members graduate to the next stage of seniority in age-grade ranking. They become umpires, known as "Atamaja." During the Ikpos wrestling, no umpire is seen around them, because of their level of experience and respect in the profession.