Miss Universe Nigeria, Maristella Okpala, is showcasing some of the beautiful cultures of Nigeria to the world, as she revealed yet another unique culture of the country, with a costume inspired by a famous traditional female masquerade from the South-East region of the country.
The 28-year-old Miss Universe Nigeria, Maristella Okpala, in a social media post on Friday 10th December 2021, explained every detail about her outfit, which she called “Mmanwa”.
“This beautiful creation is inspired by a famous traditional masquerade of the southeastern tribe of Nigeria called “Mmanwa”.
It is made of African Beed’s, stones, crafts.
Mmanwa is a female masquerade costume that’s designed for ceremonial and festive purposes to celebrate the rich Nigerian cultural heritage paying closer attention to the strength women possess,” she said.
She continued in her post by adding:
“The 3ft tribal mask with the colourful ancient back cape. With Mmanwa’s Face boldly crested on the mask and cape.
It represents the beautiful Mmanwa who fought tirelessly to stop girl child mutilation and child slavery while the colourful patterns and embellishment portrays the African dashiki which offers a visual appeal and forms meant to invoke the ancestral spirits,” she added.
Miss Universe Nigeria, also explained why she picked the outfit designed by Kennedy Gasper, saying:
“I picked this particular costume because I see a self-reflection of my cause in this Mmanwa who protects children and women against any form of abuse
Finally, this costume pays attention to the strong will of women in attaining whatever height they want to attain, no matter the challenges faced while reaching their desired goals,” she added.
Miss Universe Nigeria Maristella Okpala will be flying the flag of Nigeria in the 2021 Miss Universe Pageant in Israel.
Miss Universe 2021 will be the 70th Miss Universe pageant, to be held on December 12, 2021 at Universe Arena, Port of Eilat in Eilat, Israel.
Current Miss Universe, Andrea Meza of Mexico will crown her successor at the end of the event.