The term masquerade can refer to a masking performance, a masked performer, or the character embodied by the mask itself. Masquerade is an important mode of cultural expression for several groups from Nigeria
Role of masquerades in African society
Masquerades are believed to be a representation of the dead. It is believed that the dead visits the living from time to time through this medium. It is on this premise that the African traditional society was built upon and this has helped a lot in safeguarding the society to large extent in African societies, and in particular, in Nigeria.
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There are different types of masquerades from society to society and from places to places. Among the different ethnic tribes, they are being used for different purposes at different times.
Among the Yoruba people in South West Nigeria, the use of masquerade has been as old as the history of the people.
The masquerades have their various names and are used for specific occasions. They stem from entertainment, policing and an arbitration court to mention a few.
In Ibadan, for example, there are certain masquerades like Oloolu, Alapasanpa, Oleyo, Mojere, Aduagba, among others.
A shot at ERELU river
Some of these masquerades mentioned have their specific functions, as some of them are used as guards, while some are for entertainment.
Some of these masquerades are also used during traditional funerals as a means of linkage between the dead and the living.
It is believed that these masquerades will convey the messages of the living to the dead that the living wishes the dead peace where it may be.
In some cases where these rites are not performed, it is believed that the dead will not have a place to stay. The dead spirit will, therefore, be hurting the living.
If this is done, it will bring peace between the living and the dead. This brings the much needed unity amongst the kinsmen.
It is, therefore, a rallying point to transition to great beyond.
Some of these masquerades are used to police their farms. These masquerades are the talking types. They are placed in strategic places on the farm. Anyone who has come to steal from such a farm will hear a voice and this will prevent him from taking anything from the farm in those days, and this has helped in preventing theft of farm produce and generally in town because they patrol in the night as well.
The Black City Adventure -pics.
Masquerades serve to checkmate delinquency among married women in some societies, and this has in no small measure helped to curb promiscuity in the society.
It is believed that any attempt by any woman will be brought to limelight by some masquerades and such a woman would be fined and asked to undertake some ritual rites before she could be admitted back.
This has in no small measure helped to purify or purge the society. Masquerades have also brought relative peace to many homes with polygamy. They have also helped to settle scores among concubines.
In homes where there are frequent quarrels, the family masquerade will intervene to settle such where it persists. The masquerade will fine the women concerned first, and fined the guilty again.
However, of recent Christianity and Islam has brought some little changes.
It is, therefore, necessary to differentiate between religion and culture so as not to have any infringement on the culture of the people.
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