Ogbugulu Mau Masquerade, Amuda Village
Black-and-white photograph of the Ogbugulu Mau (Ghost) masquerade performed in Amuda village, near Awka, Onitsha Province, South Eastern Nigeria. The image shows four masqueraders and their attendant. From left, Iro Ekpetu (Merciless) wears a black fierce face mask with white painted eyes and protruding teeth, cloth top and tights, and a raffia skirt. Eju Ono (Long Mouth) wears an animal-like mask painted black with white markings and horns, cloth top and tights, and a raffia skirt, holding two sticks. A second Iro Ekpetu (Merciless) wears similar attire to the first. Awo Ohia (Traveller) is completely covered in netted striped costume without a mask. An attendant stands behind them. All carry thin stick switches. Background shows mud and thatch buildings, a child, trees and vegetation. The Mau masquerade was performed during the dry season, usually in December, with performers dancing and miming while speaking in ghostly voices through voice disguisers. Photographed by G.I. Jones.
Community Notes
Onyeka Nwokike
Apr 18, 2026
The full Ogbugulu Mau ensemble included figures representing grandmother, mother, and daughter roles. The masquerade is associated with the Isu Ochi clan, a group noted for historically respecting a leopard taboo.
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