An Appraisal of the Place of Mystical Technology in Nsukka Igbo Masquerade Institution
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science January 1, 2026 Odoja Asogwa, Uchechukwu Charles Onyishi
In pre-Christian Igbo communities, masquerades served as a common conscience and the most public art form, with successful performances bringing prestige and failure causing disgrace. Indigenous medicines were believed indispensable for ensuring success, though this aspect faced condemnation. Through oral interviews and participant observation, the study found that medicines were integral to various masquerade displays, alongside rituals addressing supernatural interference, preventing failure, boosting dignity, building fear, and extending myths. The authors argue that mystical technology was a valuable component of the Igbo masquerade institution, with potential for developing viable indigenous modern technologies if creatively built upon.