Question 12
BECE_MODEL_QUESTIONS_VOL1
•
2019
•
EDO_L1
•
objective
Explain how the "Edo New Yam Festival" (Igu Aho) serves both religious and social functions in Edo society. Identify one religious purpose and one social purpose, and illustrate each with a specific ritual or activity performed during the festival.
Answer Options
A.
Religiously, the Igu Aho is a tribute to foreign deities introduced during colonial times; this is illustrated by the burning of imported incense sticks at the shrine. Socially, the festival is used to recruit young men into the local militia, evident in the marching parade that follows the yam‑eating ceremony.
Correct Answer
B.
Religiously, the Igu Aho is a thanksgiving to the ancestors and deities for the harvest; this is shown by the ceremonial offering of the first yam to the chief priest and the ancestral shrine before anyone eats. Socially, the festival unites families and neighbouring villages, reinforcing communal bonds; this is evident in the large communal feast, traditional dances and music where all participants share the cooked yams together.
C.
Religiously, the Igu Aho is intended to invoke rain for the next planting season; this is demonstrated by the ritual pouring of water over the first yam before it is offered. Socially, the festival functions as a forum for settling inter‑village disputes, as seen in the public debates held in the central square after the communal feast.
D.
Religiously, the Igu Aho is a ceremony to honor the reigning king and his lineage; this is shown by the elaborate coronation rites performed during the festival. Socially, the festival serves as a display of wealth among competing villages, evident in the extravagant yam‑carrying contests where each community tries to out‑shine the others.
Correct Answer
B
Correct Option:
Religiously, the Igu Aho is a thanksgiving to the ancestors and deities for the harvest; this is shown by the ceremonial offering of the first yam to the chief priest and the ancestral shrine before anyone eats. Socially, the festival unites families and neighbouring villages, reinforcing communal bonds; this is evident in the large communal feast, traditional dances and music where all participants share the cooked yams together.
About This Question
This is
Bece Model Questions Vol1
2019
Edo L1
Question 12.
It is one of the
objective
questions from the
2019
Bece Model Questions Vol1
Edo L1
examination.
Difficulty level:
Medium
.