ijele is the largest mask system ever to enter the history of the world masking tradition. it comprises two segments: the upper and the lower segments, divided at the centre by a big python. the upper segment is called mkpu ijele while the lower segment is called akpakwuru ijele or ogbanibe and the centre is called eke - ogba (python). ijele towers about 15 ft to 12 ft based on gravitational balance construction. it is built around the intricacy of multicolor cloths, bamboo sticks and canes in line with a creative hand element. due to its weighty size, an outdoor big house must be prepared for ijele anywhere it will perform. it takes about 100 men to work for six months in preparation of ijele costumes and house before an outing performance.