This is specifically meant for the male members of the society. Between the age of seven and nine, a male child is expected to be initiated into the masquerade cult during the New Yam Festival. Different quarters of the town undertake its own initiation ceremonies. The normal practice is for a boy to be initiated into the masquerade cult of his father’s quarters, but the child may opt to be initiated into the masquerade cult of his mother’s quarters. By becoming a member of the masquerade cult, the boy- child learns how to keep secrets which is a trait that is valued much in men. This also gives the initiate an air of importance and makes girls, especially those in his age grade respect him.
