The Dibia And The Masquerade

This collection highlights two important figures in traditional West-African religion, Dibias (also known as native doctors) and masquerades. Dibias are the messengers of the gods, they are the mystical intermediaries between the human world and the spirit world and work as healers, diviners, and advisors of the people in the community. Masquerades are the physical representatives of the gods, spirits, and ancestors. They are regarded as the means for maintaining peace and order and were primarily used as law enforcement agents. This collection presents the Dibia and the masquerade as a collective force, working together to enact the will of the gods.