IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL PRACTICE (IJRCP )

E-ISSN 2579-0501
P-ISSN 2695-219X
VOL. 8 NO. 1 2023
DOI: doi.org/10.56201/ijrcp.v8.no1.2023.pg66.80

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Symbolism of Aganaga Divination in Epie-Atissa, Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Gabriel Independence (Ph.D), Erebagha T. Ingiabuna, PhD

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Abstract

This study titled “Symbolism of Aganaga Divination in Epie-Atissa, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria” investigates Aganaga (Ladder) divination and the symbols involved therein in Epie- Atissa Clan. The study examines the Symbolism of Aganaga divination and the explanations involved in it using the phenomenological approach. The researcher also used participant observation and oral interview methods to collect data for the purpose of the study. Against this background the study reveals that the Aganaga as a divinatory instrument speaks to the people through signs to ascertain how a typical deceased Epie-Atissa person lived his life while alive. The Epie-Atissa people use the Aganaga to post –mortally, examine to establish the cause or causes of an Epie-Atissa man’s death whether the person “died well” uwuvie, therefore whether he or she be giving a befitting burial. The findings of this study explains the various symbols involving a typical Aganaga séance and their meanings. This aspect of the people’s culture had not been researched upon before and that is what this study had done. The product of this work will create literature on the subject matter for the younger generations to know how this aspect of the people’s culture was carried out because modernism has caught up with their culture. People that knows these things are dying out, as such the findings of this study will serve the purpose of posterity, to the younger generation of this group of people and researchers.

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References:

Fefegha .A. (1988) “Divination in the Niger Delta with Reference to Epie-Atissa Community”
An unpublished Ph.D Dissetation, School of Oriental and African Studies, University
of London.

Gabriel Independence (2012), Aganaga Divination in Epie-Atissa, Yenagoa, Bayelsa. An
unpublished Ph.D Dissertation, University of Port Harcourt.
Japan Ayansarah, (2012), Oral Interview carried out at Akaba Community in Epie-Atissa Clan,
Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.

Simeon Timbiri (2012), Oral Interview carried out at Akaba Community in Epie-Atissa Clan,
Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.

Kemdirim .P.O (1997) Rituals and Symbols in Religion, in E.S Ikama (ed)Man and his
Religion, Akoka Lagos, Jetins International Limited P 116-136

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