Children’s Masquerade: Performance and Creativity in Benin City

  • Uyilawa Usuanlele
Chapter

Abstract

Masquerades are persons whose bodies, particularly their faces and head are covered or adorned with a symbolic object for purposes of representation or imitation in the public arena.1 They are known to play roles that are determined by the society in which they perform. In African societies, their role varies and includes religious, moral, and judicial roles in addition to social entertainment. They are known to be ubiquitous and more widespread in West African societies.2 As a result, the experience of childhood was virtually incomplete in West African societies without an encounter with masquerades.

Keywords

Ovia Cult Rural Urban Migration Benin City Palm Frond Dance Group 
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Notes

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Copyright information

© Saheed Aderinto 2015

Authors and Affiliations

  • Uyilawa Usuanlele

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