Raphael Chijioke Njoku's study of West African masking forms and their impact in the Americas is a welcome exploration of the history and function of body-mask performances in the context of African initiation societies and their adaptation into Caribbean carnival events and initiation groups, like the Abakuá of Cuba.

- Ivor Miller, H-Africa

There are several aspects of this book that work very well: the structure is very clear and easy to follow, and the notion of understanding the dynamism and evolution of masquerades in Africa first, in order to then tackle their use and transformation in the New World, is excellent and commendable, and something other scholars should undoubtedly take notice of. The comparative analysis of the evolution of masquerades on each side of the Atlantic in the nineteenth century is also fascinating, as is the juxtaposition of the effects that slavery and colonialism had on these practices in the Americas and Africa, respectively. The author has also undoubtedly a substantial knowledge of the Igbo world, which shows in the discussion

- Sirio Canos-Donnay, Folklore

Anyone interested in masquerade and performance in the Black Atlantic will find this book informative.

JOURNAL OF FESTIVE STUDIES