"[This]book as a whole stands as a major achievement not only in Yoruba history and historical anthropology, but in recent historiographic trends using ritual institutions and performances as primary historical sources. It will have a major impact in Yoruba studies, and in the study of West African history more generally. Willis should be commended for penetrating a complex and socially guarded ritual resource to glean the hidden histories manifested therein."-- African Studies Review "Willis's work should be a must-read for students and established scholars alike."-- Africa "John Thabiti Willis cites oral traditions, archival sources, and publications to draw attention to the link between economic development and spectacular and historically influential masquerade performances."--Babatunde Lawal, author of The Gelede Spectacle "Important in its emphasis on the history of an art form and its specific cultural context; of interest to academic audiences as well as general readers."--Henry Drewal, editor of Sacred Waters.