Masquerades

As an expert in masquerade studies, I can emphatically state that there are different varieties of masquerades. For the sake of this context, let me point out to two: the ritual and the entertaining ones. 

The ritual ones are special ones that hardly comes out. Only on extremely special occasions. This is because the process, sacrifices and functions are too elaborate and dangerous. Ritual masquerade is used to chase offenders out a community, especially offenders that are judged to have broken some extreme taboos, such as murdering a kinsman/kinswoman.

Ritual masquerade are also used to cleanse/purify the land of epidemics or diseases outbreak in the land. Ritual masquerades do not dance; if they do (rarely, and to a limited extent), each step has meaning. Ritual masquerades are stationed: they do not travel. Perhaps they can go to war camps to fight the enemies. But they don’t travel. Most ritual masquerades are not supposed to be seen and/or touched by different kinds of people, such non-indigenes, non-initiated, (sometimes women). 

The entertainment ones, as the name implies are dancers, caricatures, satirees, representatives of cultures, mockers etc. they are less powerful, they dance a lot and make people laugh. Often Colourful and beautiful jokers.

Based on my enquiries, this nnewi masquerade below is a ritual one. Why are they transporting it to Lagos? It has multiple meanings. But I will point out that it is a bad omen for the Yoruba race. This masquerade should not be allowed in Yorubaland. 

So the masquerade should be prohibited. Masquerades are more powerful than we think. The process of bringing new (ritual) masquerades are complex. Even in the past, bringing a masquerade from one Yoruba town to another was a big challenge and a long process.

How much more with people who threaten the Yoruba on a daily basis. This ritual masquerade is a bad omen. Be warned!

@Dradeolu

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