essay
Performance in Tiv oral poetry
oral poetry in nigeria : selections from the papers presented at the seminar on traditional oral poetry in some nigerian communities • Lagos • Published In 1981 • Pages: 37-56
By: Hagher, Iyorwuese H. (Iyorwuese Harry).
Abstract
The author documents the different kinds of Tiv poetry and the different settings in which one finds it used and performed. The Tiv language is rich in metaphor in which social action is described in terms of natural phenomena. The use of metaphor is found in the proverbs of everday conversation, riddle games, storytelling, and songs. Songs are sung to instruct children, to accompany work, or to inspire lineage solidarity; their rhythms varying according to their context and purpose. A lineage elder will hire a songwriter to compose and sing songs praising his lineage at a feast. Religious poetry is largely inspired by Christianity. One famous Christian songwriter draws on traditional imagery to achieve poetic depth.
- HRAF PubDate
- 1998
- Region
- Africa
- Sub Region
- Western Africa
- Document Type
- essay
- Evaluation
- Creator Types
- Poet
- Playwright
- Politician
- Document Rating
- 4: Excellent Secondary Data
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- Ian Skoggard ; 1996
- Field Date
- 1977-1979
- Coverage Date
- 1970s
- Coverage Place
- Benue State, Nigeria
- Notes
- by Iyorwuese Hagher
- Seminar on traditional oral poetry in some Nigerian communities (1980 : Ahmadu Bello University). Held Jan. 16-18, 1980, at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
- Includes bibliographical references
- LCCN
- 83183460
- LCSH
- Tiv (African people)