In every culture there are central ideas that promote people's interaction and guide their way of life. In the traditional African context, different beliefs and myths were believed to have both control and guidance over how the community should live. Among these beliefs were those embedded in the complex structure of spirits and ancestors that society believed had important roles in the community. Spirits and ancestors were used to define the complexity and wholeness of the universe by highlighting the usefulness of the living and the dead. However, the introduction of Islam and Christianity into African society introduced a new relationship between the living and the dead. This essay argues that African masquerades were important in determining and controlling society. To support this, he will draw attention to the Esan people of southern Nigeria, the Senufo of Ivory Coast and the Mende of Sierra Leone. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay African society is very rich in traditions whose expression highlights ideal beliefs about the living and the dead. Among the unique expressions of culture and belief is the use of masquerade. Masquerade is a cultural tradition involving dance in which dancers (mostly men) wear masks and perform communally. Such performances have cultural significance. The appearance of masquerades is not an everyday phenomenon, but rather their appearance signifies the ancestor's return to human form or when society requires the use of the power of masquerades to control an aspect within society. The concept of masquerade involves the wearing of masks as well as the possession of objects, music, and dance steps that signify a specific spirit. Masquerades display a range of behaviors; human, animal that can stimulate the public or create fear in people. Masked spirits can exhibit power to extreme ends; weak and very strong. In most cases, strong spirits were granted a living place called a sanctuary. Masquerade performances are designed to call people to action, influence them and induce the need to change some aspect of society. According to Okoye (2010), there is a different view of masquerades between Europeans and Africans. While Europeans consider masquerades as something under the mask with the role of entertainment, Africans consider masquerade as part of their daily life. The African context of masquerades is the embodiment of ancestors among the living with the belief that life does not end with physical death. In short, the African view of the masquerade is that at the moment of death, the spirit continues to live in an indescribable place and continues to communicate with the living. Masquerades in the African perspective have different roles that support a healthier society by connecting the dead and the living. Among the Esan of southern Nigeria, Elimin (spirit masquerade) was difficult to understand as it was considered secret and even forbidden to be discussed among women. These spirits are considered to belong to the ancestors who controlled the destinies of the living and had the power to control events that might otherwise compromise people's safety. Therefore, they were called upon to perform both legislative and executive functions. However, it is imperative to note that the spirits performed the functions in conjunction with the different groups of people; the Edion (elders), the Ohen (priest). These masquerades also supported and presided over the transformation and initiation of different groups within society. Yes..