Duminea: A Festival for the Water Spirits in the Niger Delta

Synopsis: The little village of Soku, hidden in the heart of the Eastern Niger Delta, has a group of heroes headed by Fenibaso, and its creeks and rivers are controlled by the water-spirit Duminea. The film shows some highlights of the annual ritual for Duminea. As in most Kalabari festivals, spirit possession features prominently in the proceedings. The possession behaviour is controlled by public expectations, which lay down the stage of the proceedings at which eash spirit will ‘climb on’ his priest, as well as the pattern of behaviour the latter will display once possessed.
Language: English
Country: Nigeria
Medium: Film; Film. 16mm. sd. col. 20 min.
Technical information: Black-and-white / Sound
Year of production: 1969
Availability: Hire
Uses: Undergraduates. Postgraduates.
Keywords: ceremonies; Nigeria

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