The Dead Among The Living : Masquerades In Igbo Society
By Reverend Father A. O. Onyeneke
A publication by Asele Institute Nimo & Holy Ghost Congregation, Province of Nigeria, with the aid of The Institute Of Missiology, Aachen, Germany
1987
The Dead Among the Living: Masquerades in Igbo Society is a landmark study of one of the most significant cultural institutions in Igbo society. Written by Reverend Father Augustine O. Onyeneke, the book examines the history, symbolism, religious significance, and social functions of masquerade traditions across Igboland. Drawing on extensive research and cultural observation, Onyeneke explores the role of masquerades as expressions of ancestral presence, community identity, social order, and spiritual belief.
Published jointly by the Holy Ghost Congregation, Province of Nigeria and the Asele Institute, Nimo, with support from the Institute of Missiology, Aachen, Germany, the publication remains an important resource for scholars of African religion, anthropology, performance studies, and cultural history.
Published by Asele Institute, Nimo & Holy Ghost Congregation, Province of Nigeria
Language: English
142 pages
ISBN: 9782442321 / 9789782442321
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Overview of The Dead Among the Living: Masquerades in Igbo Society
This influential publication provides a detailed exploration of masquerade traditions as both cultural performances and sacred institutions within Igbo society. Onyeneke presents masquerades not merely as entertainment, but as powerful expressions of communal values, ancestral veneration, spirituality, social regulation, and collective identity. The book examines how masquerades function within communities and how their meanings have evolved in response to social, political, and religious change.
Key themes include:
• The role of masquerades in Igbo religious and cultural life.
• Ancestor veneration and the relationship between the living and the spiritual world.
• The symbolism, performance, and organisation of masquerade societies.
• Social and educational functions of masquerades within communities.
• The impact of colonialism and Christianity on traditional cultural institutions.
• The continuing relevance of masquerade traditions in contemporary Igbo society.
Contents & Highlights
Combining ethnographic research, cultural analysis, and historical documentation, the publication offers valuable insight into the significance of masquerades across different regions of Igboland. It remains one of the most comprehensive studies devoted to the subject.
The book includes:
• Examinations of major masquerade traditions found throughout Igboland.
• Discussions of rituals, ceremonies, and performance practices.
• Analysis of the religious and social meanings associated with masquerades.
• Perspectives on secret societies, initiation practices, and community governance.
• Consideration of masquerades as forms of cultural expression and social communication.
• Scholarly references and documentation supporting the study of Igbo cultural heritage.
