The masquerade tradition is an ageless and important practice in Rivers State Culture.
Fundamentally, masquerades function as veritable means of cultural expressions for social groups. Thus, they are relevant to the communities for entertainment, during festivals, cultural ceremonies, rituals or funerals.

Traditionally, men display all masquerades while women perform as back-up dancers during displays. During displays, the women usually sing and dance to the rhythm of the drums or orations while the masquerades entertain with the special skills and performances.

Although most of the mystical aura ascribed to culture is fading away, masquerades have survived through generations as an art form up till today as part of the cultural heritage of the people. Produced here are different masquerades from the local government areas of the state that featured during the golden jubilee celebrations.

Displayed on this page are masquerades and groups from:

• Andoni Local Government Area
• An Ancient masquerade dance of the Kalabari people
• Okonko Masquerade dance of Bonny
• Periangala Masquerade of Okrika
• Masquerade of Kalabari
• Nwaotam Masquerade of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area
• Ogu/Bolo & Okrika Local Government Areas