Unmasking the Gods: Of Egungun and Demagogues in Three Works by Wole Soyinka

Abstract

Wole Soyinka dramatizes both the elements of traditional African culture and the structures of African political power. In Soyinka's dramatic vision, masks function to maintain the power of the demagogues of continental Africa and their counterparts in the international community. These masks are the masks of sovereignty, benevolence, and honor afforded demagogues by their socio-cultural and political position. These demagogues parade as figures that are similar to gods whose masks represent and maintain their hierarchical position and sovereign right to power. Thus, masking provides a metaphor through which Soyinka can represent the elite power position of earthly gods and demagogues as well as the manner in which they maintain their power. By extension, Soyinka also unmasks these earthly gods and demagogues, exposing the real face of corruption and oppression that lurks behind their masks.