₦airaland Forum

Masquerade
Like Chinua Achebe wrote in his famous ‘there was a country; personal history of Biafra’ Igbo believe that art, religion, everything and the whole of life are embodied in the dynamic art of masquerade. In view of this, the study of igbo masquerades (masqueradology) should be infused into the study of African culture and arts.
In Anam, as elsewhere in Igbo land masquerading is a revered traditional practice that forms part of the cultural heritage of our people. Masquerades are precious cultural heritage and identity of families and kins across Anam towns. Anamites use masquerades to celebrate activities of great importance, and commemorate different social, cultural, religious or prognosticational events.
Different musicals and dances are fused into the arts of masquerade; popular among the dance steps is Okani war dance steps.

There are different categories of masquerades in Anam:
Mmuo ogba egwu (dance masquerades)
Mmuo otimkpala (wiper masquerades)
Mmuo obuka (masquerades)
Mmuo Odogwu (masquerades of warriors)
Mmuo ita (mystical masquerades)
Isaa
Isato
Izaga
Ijele
Akpali
Akwunechenyi
Odumodu, etc
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What a world!