Ngbula is the diviner-healer among the Kalabari water-people, danced in the Ekine cycle as the native doctor of the owu. In his play he moves about with grim, grinding concentration, hunting out evil spirits and harmful medicines. Beyond entertainment his masquerade has a protective office: his costume is brought out to drive evil spirits and sickness from the town during a disease epidemic, so that among the water-spirit plays his is one turned to the community's defence against affliction.