TYPES OF AFRICAN MASQUERADES
This show African masquerade traditions are many and diverse, that is why they are evident all over the African continent.
Such performances have social impacts in as much as they influence the formation and strengthening of bonds in the community as well as passing on traditional civilization values.
Example of masquerades include wearing of costumes, masks, music and dancing activities which makes it colorful therefore entertaining participants and the audience.
They are cultural symbols used for religious, ceremonial and entertainment related activities, and therefore are a very important part of African culture.
It is therefore important to understand that masquerades can be broadly categorized by the regions of West Africa, Central Africa, East Africa and Southern Africa.
Of the West Africa region, two are widely known: Ibeji, native to the Yoruba and Ekpe, which is from the Efik tribe.
Some specific areas include; Central Africa that consists of the Mbuti pygmies’ Kenge and the Bakongo’s Nkisi. Tinga Tinga from Tanzania is one of the East Africa traditional dances; the Southern Africa also have the dances of Chewa people referred to as the Gule Wamkulu.
All these regional styles represent local cultures and states’ beliefs and tastes.
There are several purposes and roles that masquerades play in various communities that are categorized as religious functions, ceremonial functions and entertainment functions.
Most of the religious masquerades are in some ways linked to ancestral and or spiritual houses and hence, guaranteeing strong bond to the past.
A common religious aspect may include ceremonial which is normally performed during occasions like, initiation, marriage or burial and are central to the peoples’ ceremonies.
These entertainment masquerades are mainly entertainment where the performers do it occasionally during festivals or celebrations and such.
Music and dance are two major aspects of the performances while the costumes and masks of the actors themselves are two more components of a masquerade show.
Most times they are colourful andDyn,this Though not an artistic presentation, sarcasm or satire is used to depict the masquerade themselves or the sprit they depict.
Shoes, have the use, both practical and theological, in performance by artist to mimic the spirit of the character or entity in question. Songs used during these performances are also regional but they include the use of traditional instruments and rhythms to complement the performances. Gestural movements are usually complex and refers to narrations and sentiments.
Certain types of masquerades can be discussed in terms of their features and importance for culture. For instance, the Yoruba people in Lagos hold the Eyo Festival where pretentious costumes and colourful dancing are performed in honor of the dead.
The example of The Dance of the Spirits which refers to the dances of the Dan people in Côte d’Ivoire it is necessary to mention mostly wooden masks reflecting the images of different spirits in question life as well as death.
This Gule Wamkulu can be traced back to initiation rites in Southern Africa where it has been used as music, dance and storytelling to pass moral lessons to the society. Each of them has something to do with the cultural setting of any community, as well as the African culture in general.
Since masquerades are very much in demand in Nigeria, as well as other African countries, its impact cannot hinder noticing the importance of the event in acting as a main keepers of cultural identity and unity of the people. offers a voice for people to come and express their culture , vision and the general perception of the society.
Based on these gives, one can also have and get an opportunity to establish relationships with roots and history of the certain culture, for this, participating in the masquerades.
Also, it can reduce division between generations where elders are able to teach traditions of creating and making among the young people.
From the perspective of improving the social relations and creating the necessity to be engaged in the community, the impact of masquerades can be considered to be positive for the development of the African societies.
