In the past, we – Igbos – regard masquerades (Mmanwu) as the means for maintaining peace and order within our communities, and they played the role of law enforcement agents. While entertaining through dances and exhibiting extra-human feats, most masquerades (Mmanwu) would walk up to certain individuals and loudly expose any bad habits, crimes or misbehaviors linked to such persons. As people would always take corrections from these exposures, masquerades (Mmanwu) were also effective in keeping up with traditional norms and values in the communities.

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