Study of the Influence of Traditional Masquerade Performance on Social Control in Igbo Communities in Enugu State

Masquerade performance in Igbo society functions not merely as entertainment but as a governance mechanism encoding social norms, settling disputes, and enforcing community standards, and its contemporary relevance in Enugu State warrants systematic study. This study examined the social control functions of masquerade performance in Enugu East, Isi-Uzo, and Igbo-Etiti Local Government Areas, Enugu State, South East Nigeria. A qualitative design employing in-depth interviews and participant observation was used. Twelve masquerade group leaders, 8 community elders, 10 youth members, and 6 women's group representatives were interviewed. Three masquerade performances were observed. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results identified four primary social control functions: norm reinforcement through theatrical demonstration, dispute arbitration with performance as the medium of judgment, deterrence of antisocial behaviour through dramatic spectacle, and social cohesion reinforcement during community festivals. However, there were tensions between masquerade authority and formal judicial institutions, with 4 of 8 elder respondents reporting conflicts with civil courts in recent years. Urbanisation and migration were identified as reducing the masquerade's effectiveness as younger community members spent less time in their communities of origin. The study concludes that masquerade remains a functional social control mechanism but is under significant pressure from modernisation. Recommendations include documentation of masquerade performance traditions, legal recognition of cultural performance authority in complementary dispute resolution, and youth inclusion strategies within masquerade groups.

Keywords: masquerade performance, social control, Igbo communities, Enugu State, cultural governance