Gelede ceremony in Benin pays homage to mothers, especially the oldest among them, whose powers are said to be comparable to those of the gods, or orisa, and ancestors, osi and which can be used for benefit but also for the misfortune of society. In the latter case these women are called aje. Masked ceremonies, through performances using masks, costumes and dances, are supposed to exhort mothers to use their extraordinary qualities for a peaceful and constructive purpose, for the good of society. Careful registered sending