Ejubejuailo – the ATA’s pectoral mask

Posted by rex  at July 11th, 2013

One single item of symbols of office that enhances the Ata’s qualities of royalty and pre-eminence is the royal pectoral mask “Ejubejuailo Ata”. It is an awe inspiring royal object which the Ata Igala uses for official outing on any important occasion. It is one special royal object that is identical with Igala culture.

 The origin of EJUBEJUAILO

Several corpuses of Igala legends have traced the early appearance of this royal object to the days of Ata Ayegba Om’Idoko. Other traditions have it that it was acquired from the ancient Benin kingdom. Indeed, it is heir to multiple traditions of origin in Igala kingdom.

Benin origin 1

A legend linked the origin of the Ata’s pectoral brass mask “Ejubejuailo” to Benin kingdom. It was reported that in the ancient times, one Benin prince who could not succeed his father following the outbreak of a conflict between him and his elder brother in their bid to succeed their late father who was the king of Benin kingdom was credited with its origin. In his bid to end the fight, he took flight to Idah with a few items of regalia of which the Ejubejuailo was one.

Benin origin 2

Another tradition of origin traced the acquisition of the Ata’s pectoral brass mask “Ejubejuailo” to the 15^th century during the Igala-Benin war. It was reported that when the fight became tough and ferocious, the Benin people ran away abandoning their expansionist initiative because of the superior power of the Igala people. In the process, they left the brass mask behind. And the Igala people took it to the Ata Igala who sanctified, cleansed and redefined it for his own use.

 The Igala origin(stories) of EJUBEJUAILO

Some Igala historians traced the origin of the Ejubejuailo to internal source. They linked its origin to the 16^th century which witnessed the large presence of emigrants especially of Nupe origin from Bida. Nupe people are reputable glass smiting, pottery and brass workers capable of carving different things with the brass. Ukwedeh{2003} says that there were Igbirra and Nupe craftsmen who manufactured items of royal regalia and tools used for a variety of occupations in the early phase of Igala history. The then Ata Igala Ekeleaga commissioned his guests ‘the Nupe people’ to cast the pectoral mask ‘Ejubejuailo’ for him in order to enhance his public appearance and differentiate him from others in public gathering.

 Functions of EJUBEJUAILO

Ejubejuailo is one of the most important Ata’s insignia of office that has several functions. The Ata uses it to scare enemies and consequently protect himself from unmitigated attacks. This pectoral mask is carefully designed to add glamour to the beautiful appearance of the Ata Igala. In addition, the awesome nature of the mask makes it near impossible for anybody to directly stare the Ata Igala in the face. This implies that the rather frightening countenance of the Ata Igala is derivable from the use of several items of regalia especially the Ejubejuailo. It is also amazing that among these royal objects, Ejubejuailo in particular derived its name from its fearful and terrifying nature.

A famous Igala historian writes;

The royal pectoral brass mask, the Ejubejuailo, meaning ‘the eye that brings fear to other eye’ { Ukwedeh, 2003}

Indeed, it is terrifically exciting to see the Ata Igala in his full regalia. It is also note worthy that the use of the Ejubejuailo to the Ata Igala is so important that he never goes out without it, especially public outing, as it is mainly used to boost his pre-eminence status in public. Ejubejuailo is remarkable for adding glamour and prestige to the dignified appearance of the Ata Igala. It is generally believed that it is this special pectoral mask ‘Ejubejuailo’ that gives the Ata Igala an enviable influence that goes beyond the shores of Igala kingdom.

 Cultural significance of EJUBEJUAILO

The Ata Igala by tradition, is father to all Igala people; thus deserving due respect from all and sundry. In a similar vein, the tremendous role of the Ejubejuailo towards creating respect for the Ata Igala can never be overstressed. Similarly, the wearing of this royal object shows the brevity, fearlessness and the military might of the Ata Igala, which ultimately enhances his superior status among his contemporaries.

In a nutshell, a recent survey of Igala cultural values has revealed that the royal artifacts occupy a significant position in Igala cultural heritage, while the Ejubejuailo comes first among all objects of royalty in Igala kingdom.

“The royal pectoral brass mask, the Ejubejuailo, meaning “the eye that brings fear to the other eye” is the important single item of regalia of the Attah, dating back to the 16^th century, is said to be of Benin origin…. { Ukwedeh, 2003}