This work investigates the function and aesthetic significance of masks within the masquerade traditions of Nigeria. David Griffiths, an experienced practitioner and researcher in theater arts, utilizes his background in performance studies to analyze how mask usage serves as a foundational element of West African cultural expression. He posits that these traditions share a common performative language that transcends individual regional variations, providing a framework for understanding the mask as a tool for both social and artistic communication.

Experts in theater and performance studies recognize this volume as a specialized contribution to the study of non-Western dramatic traditions. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which serves as a resource for scholars and practitioners interested in the intersection of ritual and performance.