4. The Efik in Nigeria have Nkanda as the basic Ekpe whereas, in Cameroon we have Ekpe as the starting point in Ekpe. of Old Calabar by the Ekpe secret society, which was controlled by the towns merchant houses. The society is now seen as a fraternity along the masonic lines which tries to represent the interest of Efiks. The society is still active at the beginning of the 21st century, now playing more of a ceremonial role. NSUWorks - Nova Southeastern University Institutional Repository EKPE SOCIETY: A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE DC EKPE LODGE - Blogger Other narratives at the Hart's enquiry do not make mention of the Efut. 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. Historians recognize the advent and rapid rise of Ekpe as a direct result of a need for a new and effective mechanism of sociopolitical control in the complex economic environment created by the Atlantic slave trade. Cameroon: Manyu Cultural Counsellor Honoured - allAfrica.com Simple theme. The Efik language also borrows words from other ethnic groups such as Balondo, Oron, Efut, Okoyong, Efiat and Ekoi (Qua). GitHub export from English Wikipedia. LEFT Mgballa Ekpe lodge with Ekpe members, Arochukwu, southeastern Nigeria. ekpe society cameroon - impactonoticia.news No disrespect allowed. [26][28] This theory was narrated at the Hart's enquiry by Etubom Ededem Ekpenyong Oku but has been criticised by Uruan writers such as Dominic Essien. The society is not a 'secret society or a cult,'3 what is secret is the representations of its emblem in material symbol - the ekpe stone and the nsibidi (sign language). Ekpe Efik was used as a government instrument in Bakassi in exercising authority for more than 200 years ago [4]. The Ekpe society may be regarded as one of the most important institutions among the Efik people. Our newsletter gives you access to a curated selection of the most important stories daily. by Web Services Editor. Barbot documents that between 1698 and 1699, payments for provisions were made at Calabar to the following chiefs; Duke Aphrom, King Robin, Mettinon, King Ebrero, King John, King Oyo, William King Agbisherea, Robin King Agbisherea, and Old King Robin. The article was a not-so-deep exploration of indigenous African writing systems and languages. the Ekpe society. Wake Keeping, Viewing and service in Dallas, Texas. kp lodges ruled local communities while also managing regional and long-distance trade. The tentative program is as follows: January 27th and 28th, 2012. [65] Although the missionaries and rulers of Creek town and Duke town protested, their protests fell on deaf ears. In a Somali tale, the main character, Eghal Shillet, is: a braggart and coward who finds every possible excuse to avoid going into battle. The Efik also manufacture a number of beverages such as Mmn Efik (Palm wine), Uffp (Native gin), Lemon grass tea (Nnyannyaa), Mmn Eyop (Eyop wine). Some meals have been mentioned often in the 19th century historical literature of Old Calabar. The earliest documented letter to an English captain from a chief of Old Calabar was written in 1770. According to him . Hope all is well. The dress is often worn with ornaments such as necklaces and earrings made of coral beads. Jeffreys states that a disruption among the Okobo around the town of Ekeya in the Eket district led to the founding of Obutong. Proponents of this theory range from missionaries, explorers, colonial anthropologists and later historians. The main proponents of what is described as "Palestinean origin" is Eyo Okon Akak who wrote the book, "The Palestine origin of the Efik". African art - Igbo | Britannica The Efik people occupy the basins of the Lower Cross River, down to southwestern Cameroon including Bakassi, the Calabar River and down to its streams - the Kwa River, Akpayafe (Akpa Ikang) and the Eniong Creek. The earliest proponent of the Igbo origin was William Baikie who stated in his 1856 publication, "All the coast dialects from One to Old Kalabar, are, either directly or indirectly, connected with Igbo, which later Dr Latham informs me is certainly related to the Kafir class". [45] What is most certain is that the Efik arrived Creek Town led by Edidem Eyo Ema Atai together with Oku Atai Atai Ema Atai, Ukpong Atai Atai Ema Atai, Adim Atai Atai Ema Atai, Efiom Ekpo Efiom Ekpo and several others. Cow meat was also consumed but the Efik native cow was rarely eaten or milked by the Efik. You are using an out of date browser. [71] Meals such as Iwewe were fed to children and old people with no teeth or fragile teeth. The nsibidi may convey meaning either singularly or in groups, and each sign may be figurative, geometric, or abstract, or may represent a physical object, concept, or narrative. Ekpe masquerade mimic the form of a lion or leopard moves. I hope some Man-of-War come sometime with proper captain all same you look out and help we keep word when French Man-of-War come. Google Scholar Aye, E. A. The Sunjata Epic is usually understood to tell the story of: the rise and fall of the seven Nubian (Kushite) kings. Efik society consists of various clans which were originally known as "Esien Efik itiaba" (English: Seven clans of Efik) and later known in the 21st century as "Esien Efik Duopeba" (English: Twelve clans of Efik). AFRICA | 101 Last Tribes - Ekoi people Over the years, the Victorian dress has been modified and given what is regarded as a dignified African look. 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. Ekpe society was the first tribe to come up with this design and archaeologists have found traces of this fabric even in southwestern Cameroon. Written March 01, 2015 by Web Services Editor, Guarini School of Graduate & Advanced Studies, Copyright 2023 Trustees of Dartmouth College. Ekpe is a mysterious spirit who is supposed to live in the jungle and to preside at the ceremonies of the society. Due to the number of unfortunate incidents at Ikpa Ene and Ndodoghi, the Efik sought to leave these islands. They give me thesum of $1,200,000 and many thing. ,sister Watz. Explain. The Ekpe society had become, by the time Antera Duke began his diary in 1785, the Efik's primary socio-political institution. [81] The Ekpe Society is a religious and cultural institution among the Efik people, it can also be found among the Annang and the Ibibios. Sunjata's victory against Sumaworo comes in part because: Sumaworo loses the support of his nephew, Fakoli. (Ed.). The Ekale and their famous shaking shoulders performing at the "Under the Volcano Festival", Limbe Cameroon. [67] Communities within the Calabar metropolis such as Efut, Kiong and Qua also speak and understand the Efik language. Each ukara is highly individualized and clearly produced to be worn by a specific Ekpe member or to mark a specific Ekpe lodge. One of the most important castes in this society is the jeli caste. [72] Iwewe is also regarded as a sacrificial meal often prepared for the Efik deities. Although used exclusively by members of Ekpe, ukara is produced by a sub-group in a village of the Ezillo community in present-day Ebonyi State in the Igbo area in southeastern Nigeria. Membership in the Ekpe (Egbo), or Leopard, society, for example, available to wealthy men who can meet the expense involved, confers high social status and political authority; these men participate in ceremonies concerned with ancestral spirits and are believed to protect the community through magic and religious ritual. 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. [49] Several events at Creek town later led to a wave of migration from Creek town to Duke town. Efik people - Wikipedia [11] The bulk of the Enwang and Usukakpa are located in the present-day Akwa Ibom state. The papers include photographs, audio and video recordings, publications, correspondence and printed material primarily relating to Miller's study of the linguistic, musical and ritual influence of West African kp society (predominantly in Nigeria and Cameroon) on . During the colonial era, The Efik language was the only language taught in schools in many parts of the present-day Cross River and Akwa Ibom state. [37] The Uruan invasion at Ikpa Ene is believed to be the origin of the Efik saying, "Ama okut Ibibio, ku n enye ika, Idem amasat Ibibio eyewot owo"(English: When you see Ibibio do not give him fire(to warm himself), when he is dry he will kill you). [62][63] The first missionaries arrived in 1846. The origins of these symbols date way before colonization, but, from my understanding, the use of these symbols died out as the influence of Ekpe secret society lessened. Only males can join, boys being initiated about the age of puberty. They migrated from Bateka and settled in their current location in flight. 2017). Origin and Early History of The Ibibio People of Nigeria History The Ekoi people, while all speaking the same language, have not tended to live in complete unison. [51] Due to the custom of killing twins, Edem Efiom is said to have aided Okoho Efiom in sneaking out of Creek town to Nsutana. [53] It was common for Efik traders to take up trading names during the period of the transatlantic slave trade. Individual symbols may also have multiple meanings, rendering context important and interpretation inevitable in the "reading" of the body of represented signs. [67] As of 1877, Alexander Ross reported that thirteen towns in the Cameroon region speak Efik and had an aggregate population of about 22,000. After the decline of the slave trade, the Efik transitioned into the business of exporting palm oil from the Cross river. These drums are a regional phenomenon; they are not identified with any particular ethnic community, nor with any specific cultural group or initiation club. Original African systems of recording information in symbols include the Nsibidi script, of the Ekpe society of the Ejagham of Cameroon and Nigeria. ""Hakuna Matata" (No More Worries) - Integrating - NSUWorks [1] The trade-off is that the Amama often control the majority of the community wealth. [40] The outcome of the fall of the tree led to several deaths in their clan. The Freemasonry's affiliation to the Imhotep is clearly evident and this is probably why they are accused of several conspiracy theories, since their objective is geared towards the restructuring and controlling of global affairs. The persistence oftheAbakua society contradicts the official construction ofa Cuban national identity. [77] The fibre of the leaf-stalk of a palm was made into a thread and woven to make clothes and bags. [45] internal dissensions and population expansion led to the movement of several families from Creek Town to Obutong, Atakpa, Nsidung and Ekoretonko. [47], By the seventeenth century, more Efik settlements had been founded. Another account claimed that Efik people introduced the Ekpe between 1720 and 1729 during the initial migration of Calabar. The term "Calabar people" was particularly popular prior to the nineteenth century and was synonymous to the Efik.[6]. Colonial Anthropologist M.D.W. ________. [36] According to Aye, "Ikpa Ene could not carry the bulk of Iboku population, Ndodoghi had to accommodate what spilt over, and the two settlements, still under one rule, were separated by the left branch of the river which became their "inland sea". These Ngolo created the Ekpe society and invented the Nsibidi writing system in Usakadet (Isangele). The design is left to the discretion of the Ezillo creators, who are not Ekpe members and do not know the meanings of nsibidi. Due to the rise of Calabar as a commercial centre since the 18th century, Efik settlements experienced a high rate of inward migration consisting of Sierra Leoneans, Lebanese, Cameroonians, Jamaicans and several other communities. Abaku is an Afro-Cuban men's initiatory fraternity, or secret society, which originated from the Ekpe society in the Cross River region of southeastern Nigeria and southwestern Cameroon. All willing to engage respectfully are welcome. [16] Baikie said Ibibio are traced to the Igbo. 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. 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. After the tapping process, the wine is left to ferment for five hours. [42] K.K. 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]. Among these missionaries were Rev. [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. The society is somewhat akin to a free mason group and does some unofficial law enforcement. Known generally as Ekpe, Egbo, Ngbe, or Ugbe among the multi-lingual groups in the region, these closed groups all used the leopard as a symbol of masculine prowess in war and political authority in their various communities. The story of The River Between by Ngugi wa Thiong'o, takes place in _________________ (name of present-day country) in the mid 1800's. Determine the meaning of the italicized word in each sentence by examining the context. The Ekpe is a secret society that lives mostly in Nigeria and whose members are typically law enforcers and politicians. Ekpe translates to Leopard in the Efik language and is believed to be a spirit that resides in the forest. Their king on the eastern Calabar coast was known as Ating Anua Efiom. There are several theories regarding the origin of the Efik people. Ekpe cult, the leopard cult, and a male masquerade cult of the Efik, in cross river state of Nigeria, followed by Doomsday cult (prediction of total destruction of planet earth), then the. [15] This theory appears to be isolated as other Ibibio writers do not narrate that such terms were used by the Ibibio. Children of Efik maternal descent are still regarded as Efik and have contributed to the development of the Efik society. That it was through the Qua [an Ejagham or Ekoi stock], that the secret of Ekpe cult diffused to Calabar. 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.