Semiotics of indigenous Anioma dances of Southern Nigeria

Abstract

Dance is a major form of bodily expression among communities and age grades and any society without dance could be dangerous for
human habitation. It is from this perspective that this article appraises the symbols in the dances of the Anioma people of Delta State, Nigeria (Aguba of Ubulu-uku, Egwu Otta of Asaba, Okanga of Ibusa, Egwu Amala of Ndokwa and Ile Wonder of Umunede) to highlight their significance to the wellbeing of the people. The intention is to embark on an ethnographic journey into the semiotics and imageries of selected Anioma dances which in turn can be traced to the history of the communities they are located. The interviews and surveys will, hopefully, help to clarify some grey areas for researchers and traditional dance enthusiasts. The historical and sociological approaches of the qualitative method of research were employed in carrying out the study.