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Ekpetun, The Head's Protector - By Tam Oburumu

Akpetun... (Sheltering The Shrubs ) Tam Oburumu's Nemesis The drops from the drizzles shadowed me to a succor. A traditional renaissance of the creek's modernity with such a beautified crown in raffia,a meeting point where creative tradition dictates the pace! The Akpetun struggled to lay perseverant foundation upon my fragile skull, barely covered by skinny skins and a stubbornly balding hair, when nature decided to send one of it's emissaries,rain! The fish tribe list of inventions give akpentun a number spot above the Akpetikpa, Akpeware and the more conventional Arou, probably due to it's mobile prevalence and accessibility. I have witnessed, not only metaphorically but the spiritual connotations of the Akpetun, the historical context of 'Fun' , the creatures' innovations of the turtles, crocodiles, cobras and other survivors of the swamp. The coldly waning hands of the fisher's expedition in the tempestuous seas, rivers and streams lies in harmony with the objectivity of the Akpetun.. Masterly woven by the artistic gender free hands of the creek dwellers, purposely kriss-crossed for a motherly space on every head. I felt literally honoured after so many years to bestow this prestigious monument on my head, a memory of my childhood in Ayakoromo, disposing the wetly and uncomfortable drops of a threatening rain into cowardly directions. I have seen the protection, the succor it personifies. It's figurative injunction on a people who are very talented, creative and blessed by mineral resources yet getting drown by the sons of the river devils people misconstrue as political leaders. The orison for today is my exclusive permission from our creator to give me a life build upon promoting our historical values. A divine grace to innovate these seemingly traditional inventions threatened of extinction by modernity and religion,largely spurred by political and social ignorance . The Akpentun is the Ijaws legend of the white man's umbrella, a direct juxtaposition of two different cultures propelled by determination and motivation to ease nature's problems. Tam Oburumu has seen Akpetun as a figurative protector and shield against the nemesis of mankind, punishment our own children have brought upon a once hopeful and aspiring people of great dreams.

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