African masquerade outfits frequently conceal identity by covering the face, sometimes providing a new carved face and sometimes omitting a face entirely. When present, masks are but one part of a performance that stresses music, dance and disposable ornamentation. What is principally displayed at Kalabari masquerades is special knowledge as the masquerader obeys instructions from the drums. As he makes his way through the town, the drums tell him to point to 33 shrines of state heroes and royal ancestors. Should he fail to understand the instructions or falter in the perfomance, the masquerader may be disgraced by the crowd. His costume may be removed and his human face revealed.