the origin of the word "junkanoo" is disputed. theories include that it is named after a folk hero named john canoe or that it is derived from the french "gens inconnus" (unknown people) as masks are worn by the revelers. douglas chambers, professor of african studies at the university of southern mississippi, suggests a possible igbo origin from the igbo yam deity "njoku ji" referencing festivities in time for the new yam festival. chambers also suggests a link with the igbo "okonko" masking tradition of southern igboland which feature horned maskers and other masked characters in similar style to jonkonnu masks.