This post is a marriage of travel, tourism, art in the form of stunning architecture, photography and culture.
Have you ever travelled to a place or had to migrate from home and seen something that instantly reminded you of your home?
- A dress
- A culture
- A dance
- Specific food
- A building
What was it?
Hmm… I have a 'not so long’ story to tell, it is of the 'Eyo Masquerade and the people of Lagos, Nigeria’
Eyo Masquerade and the people of Lagos, Nigeria
The Eyo masquerade is usually made up of a group of people wearing white robes, with their faces and heads covered by a mask made from papier-mâché or cloth. They carry long sticks and wear hats with brightly coloured tassels. They move slowly and gracefully, with each step accompanied by the rhythmic sound of a drum. This text has been extracted from this publication.
During the annual festival in Lagos, people come out to watch the Eyo masquerades perform! I am particularly intrigued by the Eyo masquerade because even though I know there are humans beneath the regalia, I am surprised at how they move so gracefully without tripping over 
Long story short, the Eyo Masquerade is synonymous to Lagos. If you visit this link, you will see several images of the Eyo masquerade.
THE LAGOS HOUSE, ABUJA
The Federal Capital territory of Nigeria 
; Abuja, is home to many iconic buildings, arts, structures and edifices! I mean I have seen a whole building in the shape of an aeroplane! Sincerely, I thought I had seen it all in the name of architecture until I saw a building in the shape of the popular Eyo masquerade! 
I was so emotional, I could cry!!!
On a ‘lane/street’; Ralph Shodeinde street, Abuja marked by the houses/offices of different states in Nigeria, there is Lagos house in the shape of the popular Eyo masquerade standing regally tall!
I think this building is iconic because everyone from Lagos State would recognize it instantly without being told, without being able to read because that is the Lagos’ heritage and pride!
If you look closely at the image, you would recognize; the hat, the veiled face and the seeming straight figure. Another thing that clearly makes it stand out is; the Eyo masquerade moves in groups, here you have 2 figures representing that.
Is it a hit or a miss?
Is this story relatable, are you willing to share? Please leave a comment below. Thank you