Ugho Dance/Benin Dance

This painting is inspired from Ugho Dance. It is a special dance performed in honour of chiefs and kings.

Just as chest movements are important to social dance is the waist wriggling to ugho. It is a dance of the Esan people in present day Benin Kingdom of Nigeria.

Ugho is danced in an elegant style. It is the dance that most typifies the temperament and the elegance of Benin women. Through it, they demonstrate their elegance and artistry.

In the dance, the hands and feet are moved in grand style, in cadence with the rhythm of the music. Arms and legs contribute to the gesture.

The musical instrument the woman held is called maracas-Ukoise. It is played to support the drums. Like many African instruments, the shekere represents joy and dancing. It is widely used in traditional events with other African drums, especially when dancing rituals are involved

Ugho dance is said to have been invented in the fifteenth century.

This picture would look exquisite in your sitting room.