Still media as means of cultural documentation: The Ekpoma’s Ihuen visual paradigm

Abstract

This article explores the cultural documentation of Ekpoma's Ihuen through the lens of still media, specifically photographs. Grounded in media anthropology and the concept of indexicality, the study adopts historical analysis, photographic-content analysis, observational methods, and interviews. Its focus is on understanding the relationship between images, cultural objects, events, and community histories as embodied in Ihuen, an annual religio-cultural ceremony/festival among the Esan-speaking people of Ekpoma in Edo-central senatorial district of Edo State, Nigeria. Through the artistic agency of still media, the study categorizes discernible trends in Ihuen over time and space. These include the conferment of chieftaincy titles, the presence of the king-in-state, ancestral worship, paying homage to the Onojie, sacred objects, and the presence of innovations and syncretic tendencies. The study argues that the materiality and annual observance of Ihuen have become strong cultural indices for the individuals and community engaging with the ceremony. Beyond their potential as acclaimed pieces of art, the photographs documenting Ihuen possess the power to effect change and contribute to a more sustainable cultural future for the Ekpoma people. The festival serves as a hub for cultural solidarity, fostering consciousness, and a renewed sense of community and cultural identity. In conclusion, this study highlights the significance of still media, particularly photographs, in documenting and understanding the cultural dynamics of Ihuen. The engagement with Ihuen serves as a source of cultural solidarity, fostering a sense of community and cultural revitalization.