In Gelede, Sokari explores the spiritual and social roles of women in Yoruba culture. In the language of the Yoruba people of Nigeria, who live just to the west of the Kalabari, gelede means gently soothing the private parts of women. In this masquerade men assume female attributes and dance to appease and placate older women, the mothers, who otherwise might harm them through witchcraft. If they are pleased with the performances, the mothers will use their powers to benefit society.

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