Title

Udemba

Identifier

Ihe-NKI3

Creator

Njoku Kenneth I.

Date

2015

Format

13' x 29'

Medium

Bronze

Abstract

“Udemba,” (Sound, glory and Pride of a People) is an intricate depiction of a typical Igbo village during a festive Onwasato celebration. The artwork captures the vibrant essence of communal life, tradition, and deliberation, reflecting the heart of Igbo cultural identity. The composition unfolds from left to right, portraying elders seated on a tree trunk in their regalia at the village square. With walking sticks casually resting on their arms, they attentively listen to the village head, whose gestriculatory posture exudes authority. Adding depth to the narrative, nearby elders engage in varied activities-- one offers palm wine to the leader, while two other deliberate secretively. Breaking the linear arrangement, the artist introduces a flutist serenading two female figures in the foreground, while an elder blows tobacco smoke in the background, symbolizing disputes and inevitable distractions in communal gatherings. Central to the composition is a traditional bowl of oji (Kolanut), a sacred symbol of Igbo tradition, surrounded by other insignias of Igbo religious and cultural practices. Through rich detail and symbolic elements, “Udemba” highlights the gradual erosion of Igbo cultural values and underscores the importance of preserving these traditions for future generations.