Here's why:
* The Egwugwu represent the ancestral spirits. They are seen as powerful, sacred, and embodying the collective wisdom of the past. Revealing the identity of the people behind the masks would undermine this authority and sacredness.
* Maintaining mystery is crucial. The masks are meant to inspire awe and fear, reminding the people of the power of the ancestors and the consequences of defying their will. Knowing who is behind the masks would make them appear less formidable.
* The masks are meant to be impersonal. They represent the collective spirit, not individuals. Revealing the identities of the men behind them would make them seem less like embodiments of the ancestors and more like ordinary men playing a role.
It's important to note:
* The men chosen to wear the masks are usually elders and respected members of the community.
* They are carefully selected and trained to embody the spirit of the ancestors.
* Their voices and movements are controlled to maintain the illusion of the supernatural.
This secrecy and mystique contribute to the importance of the Egwugwu in Umuofia society and their role in maintaining social order and moral authority.