[69] The Ekpe spirit cannot be seen by the uninitiated and is represented by Idem Iquo, a masquerade dressed in Esk, a multicoloured costume decorated with other traditional accoutrements. The destruction of Obutong occurred in 1854. [33] When the husband of the Uruan woman learnt of the issue, he wanted to fight the Efik. Proponents of this theory range from missionaries, explorers, colonial anthropologists and later historians. Talbot asserts that a great cotton tree had fallen down on many of the Abayen and in their pride of numbers, they believed they could hold the cotton tree. PDF The Origin of Ekpe Masquerade and the Nsibidi symbols in Southern The Amama often appropriate hundreds of acres of palm trees for their own use and, with the profits they earn, ensure that their sons achieve comparable rank, which has the effect of limiting access to economic gain for other members of the community. She or he is a random of nature, a result of mixed up and confused spiritual genetics. Traditional societies and social change in Nigeria: a study of Ekpe Only males can join, boys being initiated about the age of puberty. PDF Traditional Societies and Pre-colonial Security System: Interrogating Imhotep was a revered personality as he was believed to be with super powers of healing and influencing people and affairs of the community. "[35] Simmons assertion which was made in his 1958 dissertation is similarly reiterated at the Hart's enquiry in 1964 by chiefs such as Chief Efiom Obo Effanga of Obutong. [30][31] Another reason given by Etubom Ededem Ekpenyong Oku asserts that the Uruan accused the Efik of wizardry and of being responsible for the frequent seizure of their children by crocodiles. [33] Abasi was angered by the Uruan woman and cursed the Uruan people who started to punish her for her insubordination. Over the years, the Victorian dress has been modified and given what is regarded as a dignified African look. Probably about 8000 BC one group reached Nigeria by an overland route and settled at Ibom (Arochuku) there they erected the famous shrine now known as the Long Juju of Arochuku. The Efik acted as the middlemen between the European vessels and the inland slave traders. The Ekpe Masquerade - SlideShare Powered by, Ukara cloth detail, Etara community, Cross River State, Nigeria, Cross River Cultural Heritage: reports from home and from the African Diaspora, Introduction: Spirit Dancers, Water Deities & Mystics in the Cross River Basin and in Cuba, Upcoming film project: Seven year kp ritual cycle, Ntufam Bob Oku literature, music and drawings, Calabar Mgb International Journal / Revista Internacional, Calabar-Cuba Radio with Ene Ita and Ivor Miller, Manyu kp Funeral Rites in Yaounde, 2019, Ivor Miller research archive at Amherst College, Manyu kp procession in Yaound, March 29, 2019, Poster for funeral of Seseku Stephen Tataw (1948-2019), Tortoise shell instrument is played in the funerary procession, kp mask purifies the hearse before the procession begins, Funerary shrine representing the sacred forest of kp, kp members surround the shrine for the final rites. In this light, the Cameroon National Council of Traditional Rulers would be a welcomed . LEFT Ezillo man drawing a grid pattern to be filled with nsibidi designs, Ezillo, southeastern Nigeria. The Ekpe was vested with the powers of policing and bringing justice to the Efik kingdom. Several accounts have been narrated on the migration of the Efik before their arrival at Old Calabar. kp had four major roles in pre-colonial life. Ekpe masquerade [1], Its members are only men and are played on special occasion. Omissions? Ekpe" which literally means Lion, is a traditional secret society originated from the Ekoi tribe in Cross River State. [26] Essien points out that Atakpor Uruan Inyang is one of the Efik deities and asserts that among the Uruan exists the saying "Ke Ndem Efik Iboku, Atakpor ke Ekuk", which can be interpreted to mean "Where there is the Efik deity, there is also Atakpor Uruan to share with it. Ivor Miller - AfroCubaWeb ekpe society cameroon - impactonoticia.news [52] The missionaries respected the native law but the European Captains acted rashly and desired that an example be set on Obutong. What's significant about the black fraternities and sororities in America is that they also trace part of their lineage to the Ekpe society of southeastern Nigeria. In Ekpe, he is a product of a dynasty of more than five Generations of Ekpe Sisikus, also known as Nfor Ngbe or Ekpe Chiefs. Although Duke town is believed to have been occupied since the 15th century by the Enwang, it was not until the 17th century that the Efiom Ekpo families moved in large waves to the site. quickly adapted to fulfil other economic and civil functions. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected! [8] The bulk of the Efik can be found in Calabar. [52] The breach of agreement to halt such practices was punished by blowing Ekpe on Obutong and forbidding funeral rites of the chief until the murderers were brought to justice. It proved to be the source of supreme authority in all Efik towns, and its institutions provided, in the past, the highest court whose verdicts transcended all else. The dress is often worn with ornaments such as necklaces and earrings made of coral beads. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). All willing to engage respectfully are welcome. part of the Balondos or Orokos in Ndian in Southern Cameroon) and Idombi (ie present town, called Bamusso in Ndian-Southern . [52] On the death of Chief Willy Tom Robins, a number of rituals were performed. Children of Efik maternal descent are still regarded as Efik and have contributed to the development of the Efik society. Nair dates the arrival of the Efik towards the end of the seventeenth century or the beginning of the eighteenth century. While some explorers describe the Efik as travellers who past through the Ibibio country, others assert that the Efik are of Ibibio stock. She said as a member of the Ekpe Society of the Efiks, she participates in the Ekpe activities. Members are bound by oath of secrecy, and fees on entrance are payable. Okoho Efiom bore the twins at Nsutana and raised them up for years. Body art plays a major role in Ibibio art. The Efik in Nigeria have Nkanda as the basic Ekpe whereas, in Cameroon we have Ekpe as the starting point in Ekpe. Finding links between Africa and the Americas Goldie describes Eburutu as a country that consists of various ethnic groups. of Old Calabar by the Ekpe secret society, which was controlled by the towns merchant houses. Originally, the Efik obtained slaves by going to war with other communities or creating confusion in other communities. In the traditional Soninke tale of "Gasire's Lute", the son of the king contributes tragically to the fall of his kingdom when he: becomes too impatient to become king himself, gets his own sons killed in battle, becomes a poet-bard rather than wait to become king, causes his own people to rebel against his desire to keep fighting. Select search scope, currently: catalog all catalog, articles, website, & more in one search; catalog books, media & more in the Stanford Libraries' collections; articles+ journal articles & other e-resources [36] It may not display this or other websites correctly. Additional Touches Ukara cloth also consecrates the interior of Ekpe lodges, where larger versions of the cloth hang as backdrops. NSUWorks - Nova Southeastern University Institutional Repository [64] They insisted that Obutong be completely destroyed. The society is now seen as a fraternity along the masonic lines which tries to represent the interest of Efiks. Copyright Dr. Ivor L. Miller. through the Illuminati Iwas able to become rich, and have many industry on myown and become famous and popular in my country , todayme and my family is living happily and I am the mosthappiest man here is the opportunity for you to join theIlluminati and become rich and famous in life and be likeother people and you life we be change totally.If you areinterested in joining the great brotherhood Illuminati.thencontact him +2348106618681 or for more information +1(705)8062021 email:illuminatibrotherpowerful@gmail.com or you need my assistance email:danjerry04@gmail.com Shame to the Manyu people and great men o Manyu, that you as enlightened as I know will willfully distort a tradition that back dates as long as 400 to 800hundred. Sunjata's half-brother, Dankaran Touman, enrages Sunjata and nearly causes civil war by: murdering an innocent young man, thinking he is Sunjata. kp philosophy is grounded in "Cross River region concepts of community that include the living, the ancestors, and the land itself" [ Ekpe being] "a school for esoteric teachings [ revealing] ideal stages in a person's life [ in their growth to] maturity within their communities [ framing terrestrial experience within the context of the [34], On leaving the Uruan country, the Efik migrated to Ikpa Ene which is nicknamed Akani Obio Efik(English: Old Efik island). [65] Cannons were shot at the town and every house was levelled to the ground. One of such accounts was given at a court case by Prince Bassey Duke in 1917 where he stated, "The Efiks were originally Ibo descendants. After World War II, a movement called the _____ Movement was founded by such writers as Leopold Sedar Senghor and Leon Damas, to support using Western literary forms, while writing in African languages. In such cases, the Ekpe Society is seen as the . Living in what is now Southeast Nigeria and Southwest Cameroon, the people were physically divided by British and German colonial holdings in Africa. [32] The men were wet and complained of hunger and fatigue. [37] When the Efik realised what was going on, they rose to their feet and fought back. Hall Fund. [47] Antia Ekot Otong is regarded as one of the descendants of the patriarch Otong Ama Ide. I'm still struggling to understand her choice. The Efik speak the Efik language which is a member of the BenueCongo subfamily of the Niger-Congo language group. Efik people - Wikipedia Due to the Obutong massacre of 1765 and several other incidents, the Ekpe society of Old Calabar was transformed into the Abaku cult in Cuba, the Bonk cult in Bioko and the Abakuya dance in mainland Equatorial Guinea. What role does religion play in society today? The Ekpe Society. The Ekpe society is estimated by most foreign scholars to have been introduced into Old Calabar in the 18th century. It is uncertain when Obutong was founded but most Efik scholars hypothesize that it was founded in the 16th century. The design is left to the discretion of the Ezillo creators, who are not Ekpe members and do not know the meanings of nsibidi. To cast light on African perspectives, and on the point of view of enslaved men and women, this group of top Africanist scholars has examined both conventional historical sources (e.g., European. Nsibidi/Ekpuk Philosophy and Mysticism - Academia.edu Infact; there can be no-gainsay of the USAK-EDET People (ISANGELE) being the originators of this highly acclaimed Ekpe Society that the EFIKS, led by EFFA EFFIWAT later on used in subduing their subjects of EFUTS, (i.e. (1985). Tanzania and the Art of Africa | JTArtRave [41] Latham hypothesizes that the Efik may have arrived before the middle of the seventeenth century. Efik names were often anglicised to gain the trust of European traders. The tentative program is as follows: January 27th and 28th, 2012. [76], Prior to the introduction of European-styled clothing, the Efik wore loin clothes made of Raffia (Efik: Ndam). [32] Oku adds that the Uruan were adverse to the Efik custom of burying strangers with their dead and did not share in the practice carried out by the Efik. Prior to Akak, the theory were proposed at the Hart's enquiry by Chief Offiong Abasi Ntiero Effiwatt and Etubom Ededem Ekpenyong Oku.[25][26]. [82] The name Itu ita translates to three manatees and is named because the masts of the ship resembled the manatee (Itu). Instead, each settlement had its own lodge of the initiation society called kp, or "leopard," which was the highest indigenous authority. We bring you daily editor picks from the best Business Insider news content so you can stay updated on the latest topics and conversations on the African market, leaders, careers and lifestyle. The Ekpe society had become, by the time Antera Duke began his diary in 1785, the Efik's primary socio-political institution. A list of some of Africa's most prominent cults and secret societies of all time. . Charles Ekpo Arthur Jarvis University, Akpabuyo, Nigeria The Cross River region is a vast socio-cultural mosaic which accommodates peoples of distinct ethnic, religious, social, economic and. AHR ~ 125 Festival organised by Global Music Exchange (ht. The persistence oftheAbakua society contradicts the official construction ofa Cuban national identity. The Decline of Ekpe Masquerade amongst the Efik Speakers The Ekpe Masquerade Secret Cult of Efik People Of Nigeria The earliest documented letter to an English captain from a chief of Old Calabar was written in 1770. [50] Okoho Efiom bore twins whose paternal parentage have often been debated. Names such as Okon became Hogan, Orok became Duke, Akabom became Cobham, Ene became Henry, Asibong became Archibong. Another account from the Qua claimed that Ekpe (Mgbe) migrated from Cameroon. Origin and Early History of The Ibibio People of Nigeria Black Spirituality Religion : - Ekpe Society | Destee - Black The Ekpe society requires that its initiates sponsor feasts for the town, which foster the appearance of the redistribution of wealth by providing the poor with food and drink. The Ekpe society, the regulatory society in Manyu Division also fixed a heavy fine on any defaulter. Several accounts have been given on the migration from Creek town to Obutong. According to Asuquo, Asibong Eso of Obutong was Old King Robin; Ekpenyong Efa of Adiabo was King John; Ani Eniang Nkot of Mbiabo Ikoneto was Robin King Agbisherea; Oku Ukpong Eton Ani of Mbiabo Ikot Offiong was William King Agbisherea; while Ukorebi Neneng Esien Ndem Ndem of Obomitiat Ikoneto was King Ebrero[55]. Nsibidi: The Original Nigerian Writing Script - Culture (3) - Nigeria Photo by Eli Bentor. LEFT Mgballa Ekpe lodge with Ekpe members, Arochukwu, southeastern Nigeria. Among these included Yams, Fufu and an unidentified type of black soup frequently mentioned in 19th century Old Calabar literature. An entire topic will be dedicated to discussing the Ekpe society and its legacy in the near future. As the slave trade was declining due to the strong global campaign against it, the effects on slave trading ports along the African coast was greatly experienced. [49] Prior to the arrival of the Efiom Ekpo group, oral tradition has it that when some Efik migrated to Creek town from Ndodoghi, The Enwang did not join them but migrated to the present site of Duke town. Ukara: Ritual Cloth of the Ekpe Secret Society | Hood Museum [12], The Efik were noted for their involvement in the slave trade were they acted as slave traders and middlemen between the inland slave traders and the Europeans. Some meals have been mentioned often in the 19th century historical literature of Old Calabar. Collection of Eli Bentor. What is a Free Agent "A free agent is one who isn't privileged with even one pure Leopard spiritline from the survivors of the Great Attempt. [33][35] The Efik came to her defence and the dispute escalataed[34] Legend has it that this was the last straw that led to the Uruan-Efik war (known in Efik as Ek Abasi-Anwan) which led to the exit of the Efik from the Uruan country. Animals such as goats, chicken and dogs are consumed in Efik cuisine. Alternate titles: Egbo, Ekpo, Leopard society. [68] The society is believed to have been introduced in Calabar from Usahadet. [82] The Portuguese are said to have arrived in masted ships. Objects and images in the exhibition courtesy of Dr. Eli Bentor. Nigeria and Cameroon (Lebialem and Manyu), Ekpe Society Resolutions from meeting held on September 16th 2011 in DC, Auto-Biography of Sisiku Emmanuel Ojong-Orock, Leader of Cameroonian Ekpe Lodge in Metropolitan DC. The masquerade tradition itself is most popular in Calabar and the Oron nation of Udung-Ukko, Mbo, Urue-Offong Oruko, Okobo, as well as the Eket and Uruan local government areas in Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria, and even western Cameroon. Ekpe translates to Leopard in the Efik language and is believed to be a spirit that resides in the forest. Efik Traditional Attires The Efik are an ethnic group - RefinedNG Working with both kp and Abaku leaders, he has documented the foundation of the society in 19th . Large amounts of pepper was also uncommon in Efik cuisines. The Ekale Dancers from South-West Cameroon - YouTube [6] The most popular historical accounts of Efik migration attest a movement from Ibom in Arochukwu to Uruan and from Uruan to numerous settlements along the lower Cross river. Oge ruru ka laja nyefee lasha r ya ma gaa rwa r e nyere ya ebe z. The version of Sunjata we have read is not the only version because: No version was ever written down by a skilled jeli, since Mande traditional society considers any story written down to be "dead". [61] These papers were signed by the reigning monarchs of Creek town and Duke town who were Eyo Honesty II and Eyamba V.[61] King Eyamba and King Eyo had written letters to the British requesting that they bring in teachers to teach them trade and commerce and missionaries to aid them to know more about God. When you see Ibibio do not give him fire(to warm himself), when he is dry he will kill you, Multiple Deaths at Ndodoghi creek, Ema Atai Ema Atai, Priest-king, lost his sight in death, Joshua Project Efik of Nigeria Ethnic People Profile, Souvenir Programme of the Coronation Service of His Royal Highness Edidem Boco Ene Mkpang Cobham V, Obong of Calabar and Paramount Ruler of the Efiks, Abridgement of the minutes of the evidence, "Souvenir programme of the Coronation of Edidem Boco Ene Mkpang Cobham V", "Cross river as a model for the evolution of Benue-Congo nominal class/concord systems", https://web.archive.org/web/20151222092842/http://sunnewsonline.com/new/pa-effiong-ukpong-aye-1918-2012/, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Efik_people&oldid=1131332439, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles using infobox ethnic group with image parameters, Articles containing explicitly cited English-language text, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 3 January 2023, at 17:46. Several types of English dresses were introduced to Efik women such as the Victorian dresses known in Efik as nyny. Formerly the society earned a bad reputation due to what the British viewed as the barbarous customs that were intermingled with its rites. According to him . [58] Antera Duke also known as Ntiero Edem Efiom was an Efik trader whose diary reveals several daily activities in Old Calabar between 1785 and 1788. [51] Nsutana was a dreaded island where twins were abandoned to die. There is not even one single manyangero mentioned on all the write up on any of the ekpe/mgbe stories. The Ekpe is a men's society found in Abiriba, Aro-chukwu, Ohafia and many other Bende communities in Igbo land, it is a variation of the important Egbo Ejagham ( Ekoi) in the Upper Cross-River as well as the Efik Ekpe Society of Calabar. The practice and display of Ekpe masquerade have been modified. Prior to the introduction of industrialised cubic-shaped seasonings such as maggi and know, Crayfish was used to make meals more spicy. According to E.U. Photo by Eli Bentor. With the inception of the transatlantic slave trade, a number of foreign clothes were introduced into Efik society. I am manyang Mathilda Nkwo of Akiriba village , upperbanyang and I am and still is oneof the oldest living practing manyangero in Manyu. Ivor Miller: The voice of the leopard is the main symbol of the Ekpe society of the Cross River region ofNigeria and Cameroon, which was re-created in colonial Cuba as the Abaku society. Aye provides the following names among these priest-kings including Ema Atai Iboku, Ekpe Atai Iboku, Ukpong Atai Iboku. . of Bamum, of Cameroon in his kingly attire seated on the throne with his chiefs flanked round him (Plate 2). Google Scholar Aye, E. A. But most importantly, it should be mentioned that if its members did not support the ostensible reality of ekpe, as a thing to be feared and appeased, then the "[18] References to the Igbo origin of the Efik were also made at the Hart's enquiry into the Obongship dispute where Etubom Efiom Obo Effanga asserted that the term "Iboku" meant quarrelsome Igbos. Afropop Worldwide | Interview: Ivor Miller 2007 [44][52] Aye uses Adiaha Etim Anwa's ballad as one of the basis for his hypothesis. Bell of King Eyo Honesty II at Creek Town, Ekeng ita (also known as James Henshaw), Obong of Henshaw Town (c.a 1875). It described the religion, social, economic and political structures of the society as progressive and dynamic. [61] One of such letters written by King Eyamba V and the chiefs of Old Calabar states: Now we settle treaty for not sell slave, I must tell you something, I want your Queen to do for we. ekpe society cameroon - workex.jobs [77] The fibre of the leaf-stalk of a palm was made into a thread and woven to make clothes and bags. As Sidney Kasfir has pointed to (in reference to the Ekpe society in southeastern Nigeria and adjoining Cameroon), material, performative, and ritual structures in masking are not fused together but can be used to different ends and can travel different paths ( Kasfir 2019: 15). It is a male-only society, and members are bound by secrecy. Lawino says that her husband's house is a "dark forest of _______________________". But, Ekpe in the course of the colonial period underwent a wide range of fundamental changes in their structure, roles, status . The Efik are an ethnic group located primarily in southern Nigeria, and western Cameroon. [6][7], The name Efik first appears in historical literature in the nineteenth century. Due to the number of unfortunate incidents at Ikpa Ene and Ndodoghi, the Efik sought to leave these islands. Their king on the eastern Calabar coast was known as Ating Anua Efiom. AFRICA | 101 Last Tribes - Ekoi people In the culture we have discussed, the term nyama refers to: the power which exists in all things, which can be controlled only by special persons. One-word searches work best.Use AND to require multiple terms: LEFT Small ukara with minute patterned design and Omu Aro symbol. Cameroon-Nigeria Relations, 1884-1961: A Study in Political, Economic and Social Interactions Between Two Nigerian Neighbouring States. Ekpe Society - Odinani: The Sacred Arts & Sciences of the Igbo People History The Ekoi people, while all speaking the same language, have not tended to live in complete unison. There are two distinct but related societies. Group members would disguise themselves as leopards, wearing leopard skins, carrying claw-like weapons, and attacking their prey. . In part because of their appropriation, exclusive use, and understanding of nsibidi, Ekpe members in the pre-colonial past were thought to have access to the spiritual realm and were, therefore, empowered to make and enforce societal rules and norms. The area from which the Sunjata Epic comes was historically: the geographical location of the great medieval African kingdoms - Ghana, Mali, and Songhai. and Dahomean towns, and among the tribes of Congo and the Cameroon.17 According to the same author, Ngbe, was another society influenced by the Ekoi and originally considered Egb [Ekp]. by Web Services Editor. . 4. Wake Keeping, Viewing and service in Dallas, Texas. These artists sew the white cloths with raffia thread so that parts of the ukara (in a pattern of nsibidi symbols) will not be exposed during the dyeing process. In the case of the latter, in the heat of the confusion, villagers would be kidnapped and sent to Calabar were they were sold. JavaScript is disabled. Opinions expressed belong solely to the author and do not represent the views of other Members, Management, or the Community at large. ekpe society cameroon - AllInsuranceInfo.org The Social Significance and Implications of the Ekpe - PhilArchive The Efik people speak the Efik language, which is a BenueCongo language of the Cross River family. [70] Several meals were composed of yam such as Usu abia, Iwk abia, Afia abia, sb abia, Edifrai abia and fp abia. According to Historians, this technique of indigo-dyeing was developed in the Dogon kingdom in Mali (West Africa) dating back to the 11th century. One theory propounded by Okon and Nkpanam Ekereke asserts that the term "Efuk" was a word of defiance and an expression used by the Ibibio man when in a fit of rage. Ibibio - People in southern Nigeria - Native Breed.org
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ekpe society cameroon