Eyo Masquerade System.

I think Eyo masquerade originated from ondo from where it came to the ijebus.Apparently masquerade system in Yorubaland and how it was exported by the slaves into new world

The Eyo masquerade, also known as the Adamu Orisha Play, is a cultural phenomenon unique to Lagos Island (Isale Eko). Below is an overview of its origins, its role in Yorubaland, and its historical export to the New World.

Origins of the Eyo Masquerade

The Eyo masquerade did not originate in Lagos but was imported from the Ijebu region, specifically from towns like Ibefun or Iperu-Remo.

The Royal Connection: It was introduced to Lagos in the 18th or 19th century as part of funeral rites. One popular tradition states it was brought to honor Olori Olugbani, the wife of Oba Ado (the first King of Lagos), by her kinsmen from Ibefun.

Formal Establishment: The first recorded modern Eyo festival in Lagos took place on February 20, 1854, to commemorate the life of Oba Akitoye.

Masquerade System in Yorubaland

In Yoruba culture, masquerades (known generally as Egungun) are believed to be the visible spirits of ancestors returning to the world of the living.

Purpose: They serve to bless the community, maintain social order, and perform funeral rites for departed leaders.

The Eyo Hierarchy: Unlike the colorful Egungun found elsewhere in Yorubaland, Eyo is distinct for its flowing white robes (agbada) and wide-brimmed hats (akete). The system is strictly hierarchical, led by five senior groups:

Eyo Adimu: The highest-ranking, distinguished by a black hat.

Eyo Laba: Identified by a red hat; they represent the sitting Oba of Lagos and act as the "police" of the festival.

Eyo Oniko: Yellow hat.

Eyo Ologede: Green hat.

Eyo Agere: Purple hat.

Export to the New World

During the Transatlantic Slave Trade, Yoruba people taken to the Americas carried their spiritual traditions with them, leading to the evolution of masquerade culture in the New World.

Brazilian Carnival: The Eyo festival is widely cited as a forerunner of the modern Brazilian Carnival. Historical links between Lagos and Brazil were particularly strong due to the return of "Aguda" (liberated Afro-Brazilians) to Lagos in the 19th century.

Caribbean Traditions: Yoruba Egungun and Gelede systems influenced Caribbean festivals, such as the Jonkonnu (John Canoe) and various Carnival troupes in Trinidad and Cuba, where ancestral spirits are similarly represented through elaborate costuming and street processions.

Rules and Taboos

During an Eyo festival, specific rules must be followed on Lagos Island:

Footwear: Spectators and participants must walk barefoot.

Headgear: No hats or head ties (except the Eyo's own akete) are allowed.

Prohibited Items: Smoking, umbrellas, and bicycles are forbidden.

Discipline: Masqueraders carry a palm branch staff (opambata) used to bless observers or discipline those who break the festival's taboos.