| Masquerades |
Teachers Program Guide
- “Dances of West Africa”
African Heritage Dancers &
Drummers |
CHAKABA
Masquerades in traditional African societies
play an important role, as they represent the spirit of protection
provided by deceased ancestors. The masquerade on stilts, known as a “Chakaba,”
is the embodiment of ancestor spirits that operate from a secret society
institution. Charged with protecting the people of the village and
making sure that “All People” behave themselves, the Chakaba is utilized
by parents to make children behave and by elders to teach values of discipline
and mutual respect. In essence, he is a “Spiritual Policeman.” |
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