Sustaining Puppet-Storytelling Tradition for Cultural Demonstration among Ethnic Nationalities in Nigeria

Abstract

Puppet theatre is a rich cultural tradition among various ethnic groups in Nigeria. This tradition is gradually fading into oblivion amid the diverse challenges and realities of the 21st century. Extant literature has not paid close attention to the issue of its sustenance; thus, this chapter examined the preservation of puppet storytelling traditions in Nigeria as a practice that embodies and enshrines cultural values, ethics, mores, and belief systems essential for socio-cultural development. Culture Sustainability Theory (CST) was deployed, and findings revealed that sustaining puppet storytelling is not only about preserving culture but also about safeguarding values, morals, and creativity that cannot be allowed to go extinct. It was also found that puppet theatre is practised among different ethnic groups in Nigeria, mainly by the Tiv, Ibibio, Ogoni, Yoruba, and Kanuri. However, other ethnic groups practise masquerade traditions with figurines on the masks, but not in the real sense of puppeteering. Puppet theatre provides entertainment and education, raises awareness of critical social issues, and serves as a tool for conscientisation, attitudinal change, and the transmission of moral values from one generation to another. In addition, puppetry is an essential ingredient for socio-cultural and political development. However, it was observed that puppetry in Nigeria is marred by several challenges that threaten its existence, including a lack of patronage, competition from modern entertainment, limited development, and socio-religious changes. Furthermore, it was noted that the new media age presents several opportunities for puppetry in Nigeria to thrive, and that such opportunities can reposition the rich tradition for the better if judiciously used.