Ohogho Dance
Photo credit: Nairaland
The Ohogho dance is a religious dance performed by the Edo people of the ancient Benin kingdom in southern Nigeria. The dance is believed to ward off evil omens and avert natural disasters, such as flood, famine, epidemics, and war.
Traditionally, the dancers wear gowns made from coral beads, carry musical gourds in their hands, and move in circles around a fireside burning with medicinal roots and herbs. The dancers move their bodies swiftly in circles accompanied by the rhythmic Ohogho music.
Today, the dance is considered an art form and is performed mainly during important festivals and ceremonies in the Benin kingdom.
