Gelede

Masquerades held by the secret society named Gelede of the Yoruba people of West Africa, performed by masked, costumed dancers, often impersonating women, for the purpose of placating the older women of the community and encouraging them to use their powers for community well-being; they are held when society members die, and during the society's annual festival, on the afternoon following the nightlong performance of the Efe masquerade.