Reimagine the Ikoro Wooden Slit Drum of Umunze: A Sculpture Installation, Tourist Attraction, A Pride of The Nigerian Nation

Abstract

The study focused on the Ikoro Obibie-Aku wooden drum of Umunze, Igbo, West Africa, Nigeria. The Ikoro wooden drums are found throughout the Igbo region and is notable because when its sound is heard, people gather at the village square. It is assumed that one of the following has occurred: a person has been murdered, land has been defiled, there is an outbreak of war, or a calamity has befallen the community, among others. However, the emphasis was placed on dilapidation and decay, with advocates arguing that the Ikoro piece should be housed in a museum for posterity, showcasing its forms and functions within the context of Igbo cultural philosophy. There is also evidence that overzealous fanatics have destroyed some of the ikoro pieces. Data was gathered through an exploratory conceptual study (a document-based qualitative study approach), relevant primary and secondary sources, electronic media, and other sources. The paper suggests that the Ikoro wooden drum, if properly preserved in a museum as a community-side attraction and a tourist center, can generate revenue for the community and the country at large.