ABSTRACT
This study appreciated Masquerades and Artistic Elements and the manner in which they are presented and their stream of impart on Carnivals. Interest in the research was motivated by the prominence accorded masquerades during carnival festivals in Abuja National Carnival, Carnival Calabar and the Rivers State Carnival from 2008 to 2012: their role in tourism development and the dearth of literature on the subject. Interestingly, these carnivals are hosted in the state capitals and the federal capital territory respectively away from their original habitats, in variance with Section 10, 1992 Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation Decree (NTDC) which empowers the Local Government Areas the responsibility to host this event. This action however, does have its consequences on the masquerade performance and the motive for hosting the event.Literature reviewed include; Masquerades in Africa, Masquerades in Rivers State and their significance in Carnival Rivers, Origin of Carnivals, Origin and Growth of Carnival Rivers and the Artistic Elements in Carnival Rivers. The research adopted a combinationof different research methods but centered on the historical method. It employed the step recommended by Ndagi (1999) which dealth with the documentation, evaluation and explanation in appreciating over thirty (30) masquerades identified in the Carnival Rivers. Findings revealed that Carnival Rivers commenced in 1988. The significance of masquerades in Carnival Rivers was purely to entertain and attract tourists to the State.While hostingthe carnival in the State capital (Port Harcourt) has the question of authenticity and sustainability to deal with, the Artistic Elements such as, viii masquerades, floats, dance, drama, posters, comedy and sculptures were identified and described. It was recommended that, the Rivers State Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Rivers State Tourism Development Agency should engage researchers to document all aspects of the carnival to enhance the availability of literature for posterity. Further study should be carried out in the area of design elements by a Graphic Artist and the impact of the carnival to the economy of the State by an Economist.