Amara Iwuoha
In Igbo culture, masquerades are very important figures in festivities. Many believe that they represent the ancestors while some believe they are gods. Masquerades embody the spirit and human worlds. However, they are believed to be mystical and hold related powers, therefore should be respected whenever they are seen in public.
There’s also a popular theory that the masquerades spring from the soil, making them higher than man, and regarded as such.
Masquerading may require a one-person team or a team of more people which may include vocalists who hail the masquerades, drummers and players who play the instruments, advisers and then, the masquerade itself. Most of these masquerades have a mask on their face and are covered from head to toe with some piece of clothing or/and bamboo rafters.
Depending on the type of masquerade and where it comes from, it may differ. Some of the masks are meant to be beautiful because the masquerade connotes beauty among others. On the other hand, the others are sinister and are feared whenever they make an appearance.
Every masquerade holds distinct attributes that distinguish them and builds a story line or a personality. They may be a war masquerade, or a pretty one, or an old one. They may also be specialised in skills such as dancing, acrobatics, talking and a host of others.
In Igbo land, some masquerades are so revered that they hardly come out, only at very important events, such as traditional celebrations, funeral of a king or great person and festivals, particularly the New Yam Festival.
