The European Image in West African Masquerades and Spirit Possession Open Access
Robinson, Catherine (2010)
Abstract
Why do some West African ethnic groups
dress up or role-play as Europeans in spirit possessions and
masquerades? The theatricality associated with these practices goes
hand in hand with a specific ideology. The image of a European as
an additional character in masquerades or as a spirit that
possesses mediums therefore serves a tangible purpose. Many
scholars have long believed that the European image is used in a
postcolonial context to reclaim African identity and reject or mock
a European presence. The satire of the European is commonly
misinterpreted, however, and the use of the European image is much
more complex than this reduction. By analyzing the Igbo Ijele and
Okperegede masquerades and the Gelede and Egungun masquerades of
the Yoruba, the widespread possession cult of Mami Wata in West
Africa, and the spirit possession cult of the Hauka in Ghana and
Niger, it is clear that these performance rituals use the European
or foreign image in a dualistic way that uses play and power
symbols equally to portray authority. The use of the European image
is used in a myriad of ways to promote a self- identity in these
West African groups by identifying what is "Other," and by
extension, what is the self. Through transgressive and satirical
depictions of colonial authority, these societies mock immoral
behavior and what they see as European folly. Furthermore, the
presence of the powerful colonial figure provides authority to the
rituals being performed through mimesis. Clearly, the complex ways
in which the image of the European is used in these cultures'
rituals deserves more study and understanding than previously
given.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction……………………………………………………………………………….
1
Igbo
Masquerades………………………………………………………………………...
2
Ijele
Okperegede
Yoruba
Masquerades……………………………………………………………………
11
Gelede
Egungun
The Mami Wata
Cult……………………………………………………………………
22
The Hauka
Cult………………………………………………………………………….
32
Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………
39
Works
Cited……………………………………………………………………………..
49
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