The Yoruba Ayélabọ́lá Masquerade and The Egun Zangbeto

By Bamidele Ademola-Olateju

The last time I saw the Ayelabola masquerade perform was in 1974. As a child, I marveled at Ayélabọ́lá’s performance called idán. His ability to change its costume effortlessly within seconds. From the early 1980’s, many have sold their prized ancestral Egúngún masks and costumes to curators and tourists for pittance or have destroyed them in the name of Christianity. I have agonized about the cultural fate of the Yoruba for over two decades. Within that time range, I saw the resurgence of the Aṣọ-òkè and it gave me hope. Yesterday, I had a relaxing time watching Ayélabọ́lá on YouTube. Even though we have lost a lot of our indigenous knowledges between 1970 and 2000, I was very happy and proud that a lot of Yoruba identity, culture and traditions will survive ongoing Western onslaught and religious fundamentalism for another 50 years.

While the Yoruba have lost a lot, the Egun/ Ogu (sp?) in Nigeria, Benin and Togo haven’t lost a thing! Their Zangbeto has continued to fascinate and confound Westerners. Every year, they journey to these parts to unravel the secrets and they haven’t been able to. I read so much about their quest in the last few hours and it was very amusing. I love it!

I am happy to know that Ifá is experiencing resurgence and acceptance. In the age of quantum physics and nanotechnology, I wish and hope young researchers can tap into African elemental technology and find cures to illnesses and solutions to problems.

I particularly want to thank the Ìjẹ̀bú for preserving Yoruba culture and traditions most. Our people are documenting these knowledge for the future. I feel so gratified!

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