I am Mnkong Emmanuel Saah, a resident of Mankon Bamenda. And I would like to use this Community space to share my experience watching a masquerade dance that displayed extraordinary talents in a ceremony I witnessed.
Masquerade dancers are a feature of religious society in many areas. Four types of masquerader are identified by the roles they play. Juju ( masquerade ) societies also take an important part in Mankon. A juju or masquerade is any disquised figure whose identity cannot be detected. The face as well as the head and the body are usually covered. Juju societies are found in almost every village in some areas. Jujus are used during death Celebrations, especially to entertain, add value to the ceremony and also frighten away women who at times refused to see the body of young people.
However, just wearing the costumes can be boring. Some music and kind of ballroom dancing comes into play.
The case of the Alamatou - Mankon, masquerade dance, that I witnessed was a great show of mystical prowess. This masquerade dance presented itself in a death Celebration in Ngomgham ll Mankon a quarter in Mankon, Bamenda. It Probably followed one of the family members of the deceased. Their entry into the dancing ground was drilled by it classical masterpiece of music and elegant moves that made the dance exquisite and charming. The rattles on their legs added to the xylophone music and drumming to pull a mammoth crowd to to scene. Their numerous exquisite dancing style made the masquerade ball dance so appealing and interesting to watch. The attractive and dreadful masquerades exposed their mystical prowess. One could see their impressive exposition in their display.
It should be noted here that masquerade ceremony is a cultural or religious event involving the wearing of masks. The practice has been seen throughout history from the prehistoric era to present day. They leave a variety of themes. And today I have shared one of such masquerade demonstration or display in a death Celebration as seen in the eyes of Alamatou Mankon masquerade dance display. It was so amazing watching such a demonstration of mystical prowess.
