Masquerades in Umukwu-Amune

Today was Masquerade Day in Amune, Ovim. I was visiting when I encountered a masquerade band. When you come face to face with a masquerade, it’s crucial to ‘acknowledge or plead’ with them by calling out their names if you want to avoid being whipped. Sometimes, offering gifts can help you get through. Masquerade floggings are traditional, so the best way to avoid them is to keep your distance. I wrote the little poem below to describe the sudden appearance of the masquerades and the chaos they caused.

Threads hold fast upon your coat of colors
When the stage is set, you are the conqueror
All village folk flee from you, but older men sit
Gazing into space when men transform into spirits

Uniform dyes are of several displays
Dark green, brown, yellow, grey
The dust raised over the rooftops
Signals the onset of celebrations
Children hide, but hawks circle the sky

Many believe your arrival from ant holes
Others think you are ancient deities
Or spirits engaging the past and present
Reincarnated through the mortal man
Attending to the interests of the clan –
A place where hill dwellers call home