ijele masquerade, known as the biggest masquerade in sub-saharan africa, is a tradition of the igbo people of nigeria and was listed in the unesco archives as an intangible cultural element in need of urgent safeguarding. in many communities in the state of anambra in south-eastern nigeria, celebrations, burial ceremonies and other special occasions during the dry season to evoke fertility and a bountiful harvest feature the performance of the ijele masquerade.