'Remember six feet deep': masks and the exculpation of/from death in Aro masquerade

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Periodical article

Title:	'Remember six feet deep': masks and the exculpation of/from death in Aro masquerade
Author:	Bentor, Eli
Year:	1994
Periodical:	Journal of Religion in Africa
Volume:	24
Issue:	4
Pages:	323-338
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	Aro masks funerals
External link:	https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/1581340.pdf
Abstract:	The author examines the question of the cognitive working of masks. He argues that in those societies that use or have used them, masks are prime vehicles for the articulation of ambivalence. Ambivalence is an essential aspect of social life. Masks help humans explore the limits of reason. These limits are most pronounced when human beings are faced with the presence of death. Through their cognitive, performative and physical appearance, masks provide a tool for exploring the limits of human reasoning. Masks mediate the intellectual problem of facing death. Data are drawn from the masked performance during funerals of secret society (Ekpe) members among the Aro at Arochukwu, southeastern Nigeria. Bibliogr., notes, ref.