African Poetry of the Living Dead: Igbo Masquerade Poetry

This is the first book-length translation and discussion of this sub-genre of Igbo oral poetry. The central position of the masquerade cult in Igbo religion, world view, culture and art makes this masquerade poetry relevant to the people's society, as well as instructive and entertaining in function. This work makes available for the first time what can be regarded as the high-water mark of Igbo oral poetry, as well as essays on the intellectual, socio-cultural, and literary background. It is a study not only in oral poetry but also Igbo traditional world view, beliefs, and culture.