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. James Beale Horton made a similar assertion in 1868 where he asserted that all the communities of the Niger-delta are traced to the Igbo. The indigenous drums of the Cross River region of southeastern Nigeria and southwestern Cameroon are distinctive for their "wedge and ring" method of tightening the skin. [9][38] The Adiabo group is believed to have left to their present location after the Mbiabo exodus. You are using an out of date browser. [37] When many of the Efik had left for Ndodoghi, a series of unfortunate events occurred. [82] The name Itu ita translates to three manatees and is named because the masts of the ship resembled the manatee (Itu). [51] Nsutana was a dreaded island where twins were abandoned to die. One theory states that the Efik and Uruan had separate religious customs and the Efik refused to worship the Uruan deity Atakpor Uruan Inyang. Colonial Anthropologist M.D.W. [5] Sunjata's sister, Kolonkan, angers her younger brother Manding Bori when she: uses her powers to take the internal organs from animals he and his brothers killed, without cutting the animals open. The missionaries who arrived in 1846 contributed to the changes in women's attire in Efik society. [33][34] Abasi is said to have borrowed an axe from an Uruan woman and had broken the axe. Several accounts have been narrated on the migration of the Efik before their arrival at Old Calabar. LEFT Mgballa Ekpe lodge with Ekpe members, Arochukwu, southeastern Nigeria. Meat and fish are the major sources of protein in Efik cuisines. Over the years, the Victorian dress has been modified and given what is regarded as a dignified African look. During his research, Miller has identified many cultural links between Africa and the Americas, particularly between Cuba, Nigeria and Cameroon, which share a common heritage. The Sunjata Epic is usually understood to tell the story of: the rise and fall of the seven Nubian (Kushite) kings. At least in the past, very large sums were paid to attain these upper levels. Ikpaya is now worn by an Obong-elect during the traditional coronation ceremony. Instead, each settlement had its own lodge of the . [51] When the twins were older, they left for the opposite end of the island to Duke town. [9] The Efik have also been referred to as "Calabar people" in historical literature. AFRICA | 101 Last Tribes - Ekoi people Have you ever thought about starting a secret society? This exhibition, on view from April 18 to August 2, was organized by the Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth College, and generously supported by the William B. Jaffe and Evelyn A. Cameroon-Nigeria Relations, 1884-1961: A Study in Political, Economic and Social Interactions Between Two Nigerian Neighbouring States. Hope Waddell, Foreign commerce soon brought Calabar affairs into such a state, that the want of a bond of union among the different families, and of a supreme authority to enforce peace and order between equals and rivals, became apparent; and the Egbo institution was adopted. 2017). Worn as personal wrappers during initiations and at social events, ukara cloth distinguishes Ekpe members. The most popular migration account within the Nigerian space asserts that the Efik people lived at Ibom in the present-day Arochukwu and migrated from Ibom to Uruan. This is evident in a testimony by Isaac Parker, a ship-keeper who lived at Duke town in 1765 for 5 months. Ivor Miller - AfroCubaWeb [82] The Portuguese are said to have arrived in masted ships. [69] On the appending of the Ekpe institution to its list of secret societies, the Ekpe society was reformed and adapted to suit the needs of the Efik people. The ekpe society has spawned a large number of Nsbd . [49] The Enwang are believed to have ruled Atakpa for a number of years. [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. Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Calabar. [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. At Creek town, the Efik ruler was Efiom Ekpo Efiom Ekpo who had a number of children including Nsa Efiom, Edem Efiom, Okoho Efiom and Odo Efiom. [74][75] The traditional institution of manyu division cameroon 1990 2011 an Prior to the inception of the transatlantic slave trade, the Efik had experienced a series of migration before their arrival along the coasts of Old Calabar. Efik names were often anglicised to gain the trust of European traders. Hope Waddell, Samuel Edgerley and four others. Some of the musical instruments that are important in the culture we have discussed are: the bala (balaphon), a kind of xylophone, and the kora, a gourd harp. The tentative program is as follows: January 27th and 28th, 2012. Due to the role they played during the era of the triangular trade, their prominence in literature and art, there has been a lot of academic scholarship on the people. . 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. All Ekpe members are hereby reminded that under Ekpe custom, we do not leave the lifeless body of our warriors in the battle field, and we certainly do not leave the remains of an Ekpe chief unguarded. Cuban Abaku Chants: Examining New Linguistic and Historical Evidence The Ekpo society uses black masks, often of naturalistic appearance and with movable jaws, to maintain social order and propitiate the ancestors; some of these masks represent disease and deformity. The earliest list of Efik traders is provided in Jean Barbot's manuscript which was later printed in 1732. [32] The men were wet and complained of hunger and fatigue. [49] Several events at Creek town later led to a wave of migration from Creek town to Duke town. Bell of King Eyo Honesty II at Creek Town, Ekeng ita (also known as James Henshaw), Obong of Henshaw Town (c.a 1875). Refworld | Nigeria: A cult known as Ekpe na Mboko 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). Black Spirituality Religion : - Ekpe Society | Destee - Black [26] At Uruan, they were ruled by a number of priest-kings Ndidem. 4. In The River Between, Waiyaki's father, Chege, is: The new, white man's religion is represented by the: Early in the story, Waiyaki undergoes his "second birth". Afropop Worldwide | Interview: Ivor Miller 2007 Right now, Ekpe . The Decline of Ekpe Masquerade amongst the Efik Speakers [8] The bulk of the Efik can be found in Calabar. The first letter of the word is correctly written as "" and denotes plurality. That it was through the Qua [an Ejagham or Ekoi stock], that the secret of Ekpe cult diffused to Calabar. Many families sent their children to European captains to teach them English and the processes involved in the international trade. Some meals have been mentioned often in the 19th century historical literature of Old Calabar. . Okoho Efiom bore the twins at Nsutana and raised them up for years. Ekpe members request nsibidi designs of personal or communal significance. But, Ekpe in the course of the colonial period underwent a wide range of fundamental changes in their structure, roles, status . [1] The trade-off is that the Amama often control the majority of the community wealth. In the culture we have discussed, the term jamu refers to: each person's family name, which connects the person to a famous character in the story of Sunjata. [32] The Efik having pity on these men gave them food and showed them hospitality. "[20] ekpe society cameroon - AllInsuranceInfo.org [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. Having associated broadly with foreigners in the pre-colonial era and . Ralph Lauren on Twitter The Efik speak the Efik language which is a member of the Benue -Congo subfamily of the Niger - Congo language group. The practice and display of Ekpe masquerade have been modified. The earliest accounts are narrated in the second half of the 19th century by Explorers and missionaries. History The Ekoi people, while all speaking the same language, have not tended to live in complete unison. These secret societies were used to uphold the legal decisions of the Council of Elders or of the community as a whole, they also ensured conformity in certain rituals and in social behaviour and undertook certain public works for the community (n.d.). PDF Cuban Abakua Chants: Examining New Linguistic and Historical Evidence Among these cuisines include Ekpang nkukwo, Edikang Ikong, Afia efere, Anyan Ekpang, Afang soup and several others. Ekpe society | African secret society | Britannica Ekpe" which literally means Lion, is a traditional secret society orig The doomsday cult is a sinister transnational cult that has paved its way from the west and Asian world into some African countries including Uganda and South Africa. I am manyang Mathilda Nkwo of Akiriba village , upperbanyang and I am and still is oneof the oldest living practing manyangero in Manyu. [77] The fibre of the leaf-stalk of a palm was made into a thread and woven to make clothes and bags. Large amounts of pepper was also uncommon in Efik cuisines. Long time we no look Man-of-War as Blount promise one Frenchman come make plenty palaver for slave when we can't get them. The group has managed to stay mostly hidden for over more than 100 years. These they handcuffed, brought down to the canoes, and so proceeded up the river, till they got to the amount of 45, with whom they returned to New town, where sending to the captains of the shipping, they divided them among the ships.[56]. [52] The Captains wrote the acting consul who was stationed at Fernando Po. Living in what is now Southeast Nigeria and Southwest Cameroon, the people were physically divided by British and German colonial holdings in Africa. 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. Osirica brotherhood is the root of all the mason societies, dating back around 2300 B.C. Eye of the Needle - Ken Follett 2015-07-07 The worldwide phenomenon from the bestselling author of The Pillars of the Earth, World [34] When the Uruan woman realised that Abasi had broken her axe, she insisted that the axe should be repaired. by Web Services Editor. [27] A number of reasons have been given on why the Efik left Uruan. These Ngolo created the Ekpe society and invented the Nsibidi writing system in Usakadet (Isangele). Some other clothings introduced into the market include smit, brutanya, isadh and nkisi. Here are 8 prominent cults and secret societies in Africa [48] Jeffreys theory is unpopular with a large majority of the Efik. Define monsoon, Sanskrit, raja, caste system, caste, Hinduism, reincarnation, karma, dharma, yoga, Buddhism, ascetic, nirvana. Adire Adire means 'tie and dye' in Yoruba. There are two distinct but related societies. (a) What are the Clowns trying to accomplish in this scene? Also i want bomb and shell. Eli Bentor, Professor of Art History at Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina, speaks about the history of ukara cloth and moderates a discussi. 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. 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. This is UKARA cloth used by the Ekpe society in a handful of places in Nigeria, Cameroon The symbols are nisbidi You even scanned the raffia marks left from resist dyeing I hope you won't sue the owners in future! Origin Nsibidi symbols which are indigenous to Igbo, Ibibio, Efik, Annang and Ekoi/Ejagham members of the Ekpe society. NSUWorks - Nova Southeastern University Institutional Repository [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. Nsbd: An Indigenous Language of Communication in the Cross River Her behavior at the board meeting was obsequious\mathit{obsequious}obsequious; for example, she actually offered to wash the company president's car! Proponents of this theory range from missionaries, explorers, colonial anthropologists and later historians. Sisiku Ojong-Orock was born on Saturday October 2nd, 1948 in Ogomoko Village,Eyumojock Sub-Division, Manyu Division in the Republic of Cameroon, West Africa. Determine the meaning of the italicized word in each sentence by examining the context. Resume: La communaure cubaine Abakua-descendantedes communautes :EB:k Ekpe et Ejagham ~gbedu Sud Est du Nigeria etdu Sud Ouest du Cameroun-a ete fondee ala Havane dans les annees 1830 par des leaders captures des villages de Cross River. Papers documenting the research materials and scholarly work of Dr. Ivor L. Miller in cultural studies of the African Diaspora. Their king on the eastern Calabar coast was known as Ating Anua Efiom. [52] The missionaries respected the native law but the European Captains acted rashly and desired that an example be set on Obutong. Other trading items sold by the Efik included rubber, ivory, barwood and redwood. an extraordinarily powerful woman, who can change herself into a buffalo, the proud oldest daughter of a king, who insists on being respected, enraged by her brother's refusal to give her the inheritance she feels she is owed, guilt-ridden for having killed many of her brother's people, and for having pushed her youngest sister too hard and too The instruments above are particularly important to our study of the Sunjata because: they are the traditional instruments of the jeliw who tell the story in public performance. 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. In this light, the Cameroon National Council of Traditional Rulers would be a welcomed . At its peak, it permeated the social, economic and political life of the Efiks but lately its dominance has been eroded as urbanization and modern political administration expanded. Among those who migrated with the Ngolo were various other nations who would later become part of the Oroko ethnic group. 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. [33] Abasi was angered by the Uruan woman and cursed the Uruan people who started to punish her for her insubordination. You been do very proper for we, and now we want to keep proper mouth. In a Somali tale, the main character, Eghal Shillet, is: a braggart and coward who finds every possible excuse to avoid going into battle. Ethnographic - (Mask, Elephant, Cape, Chicken Feather); Elephant Mask with Chicken Feather Cape, Bekom People, Cameroon. Imbued with transcendental aura, ukara conveys the sacrality and prestige of the Ekpe secret society. Ekpe is a mysterious spirit who is supposed to live in the jungle and to preside at the ceremonies of the society. [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). Mr. . National Museum of African American History and Culture. [80] Ivory bracelets (Efik: Mme) were worn by wealthy women. two young foreign men to whom she gives the power to defeat her. [32] Another theory states that there was a disagreement between an Efik woman known as Abasi and an Uruan woman. Omissions? English language is spoken in the South-Western part of Cameroon. (1985). 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. PDF Evaluating the Place of the Ekpe Traditional Institution as a - CORE After the tapping process, the wine is left to ferment for five hours. Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations "Hakuna Matata" (No More Worries) - Integrating Indigenous Systems of Conflict Resolution into the Formal System of Government Administration in Cameroon: Case Study of the Ekpe Society of Manyu Division Stephen O. Agbor, Nova Southeastern University Follow Date of Award 2017 The term igo has also been used for the organization's members. 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. This site uses cookies to help personalize content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. They came from Mbiak Creek in Ibibio country. [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. The Osirica is a black Egyptian masonic order that existed in ancient Egypt. The Ekpe Society. The Efik are an ethnic group located primarily in southern Nigeria, and western Cameroon. The Neegee is a cannibalistic group that feeds on human flesh to satisfy their God, and to gain power from that God. 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. Hall Fund. The Oroko (also Bareka/Batekka) are an ethnic group in Cameroon.They belong to the coastal Bantu group, widely known as Sawa, and primarily occupy the Ndian and Meme divisions of the Southwest Region of Cameroon.The people predominantly speak Oroko, English, and Cameroon Pidgin English.The Oroko are related to several ethnic groups (or tribes) in Cameroon's coastal areas, with whom they share . 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]. . Ibibio - People in southern Nigeria - Native Breed.org Thanks for signing up for our daily insight on the African economy. The area from which the Sunjata Epic comes was historically: the geographical location of the great medieval African kingdoms - Ghana, Mali, and Songhai. Nsibidi is a body of ideographic, abstract, and gestural signs deployed by the Ekpe society as a form of coded communication. An entire topic will be dedicated to discussing the Ekpe society and its legacy in the near future. 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. The Efik in Nigeria have Nkanda as the basic Ekpe whereas, in Cameroon we have Ekpe as the starting point in Ekpe. Written March 01, 2015 by Web Services Editor, Guarini School of Graduate & Advanced Studies, Copyright 2023 Trustees of Dartmouth College. [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. [6][7], The name Efik first appears in historical literature in the nineteenth century. Sunjata's aunt, Tenenba Conde, childless herself, must raise the child Fakoli, son of Kosiya Kante, after Kosiya sacrifices herself for her brother's sake. Collection of Eli Bentor. Due to the number of unfortunate incidents at Ikpa Ene and Ndodoghi, the Efik sought to leave these islands. 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. Initiated into ekpe society at 9 as was done in those days and now not even a word is mentioned each time you talk about ekpe in manyu. Transformation of the kp Masquerade in the African Diaspora The Ekpe society may be regarded as one of the most important institutions among the Efik people. ukara: Ritual Cloth of the Ekpe Society features the ukara cloth, a composite signifier of authority, prestige, sacrality, difference, and social mobility in the Ekpe secret society in the Cross river basin encompassing southeastern Nigeria and parts of Cameroon. It has a variety of different characters and is indigenous to areas of Southeastern Nigeria and . The Ekpe Society is a religious and cultural institution among the Efik people, it can also be found among the Annang and the Ibibios. [19] Oku attests that it was the attack on the Efik that made them decide to leave Ikpa Ene as they realised they were still too close to their enemies. The economics of the society is based on paying tribute to the village ancestors. The Efik language was also spoken in several communities in Western Cameroon. Another account claimed that Efik people introduced the Ekpe between 1720 and 1729 during the initial migration of Calabar. LEFT Ekpe cage during Ikot Ekpe ritual in 2009. 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. [15] This theory appears to be isolated as other Ibibio writers do not narrate that such terms were used by the Ibibio. African Voices on Slavery and the Slave Trade: Volume 1, The Sources [44][52] Aye uses Adiaha Etim Anwa's ballad as one of the basis for his hypothesis. Animals such as goats, chicken and dogs are consumed in Efik cuisine. It is also used by the Igbo and Efik. This village was originally named Ta Set Maat. The Internet has shone light on manysecret societies, rendering them not so secret. Origin and Early History of The Ibibio People of Nigeria The Efik people speak the Efik language, which is a BenueCongo language of the Cross River family. The Efik language also borrows words from other ethnic groups such as Balondo, Oron, Efut, Okoyong, Efiat and Ekoi (Qua). She said as a member of the Ekpe Society of the Efiks, she participates in the Ekpe activities. Ukara are made exclusively for members of the Ekpe society, an interethnic men's association found throughout southeastern Nigeria and western Cameroon. In the culture we have discussed, the term badenya refers to: the relationship between the mother and child, and full siblings - implying closeness, trust, cooperation, unselfishness, and acceptance of rules. Ekpe Efik was used as a government instrument in Bakassi in exercising authority for more than 200 years ago [4]. Each ukara is highly individualized and clearly produced to be worn by a specific Ekpe member or to mark a specific Ekpe lodge. Brooklyn Museum Traditional societies and social change in Nigeria: a study of Ekpe The Ekpe society is the most renowned traditional institution in Efik history. how to get a towing contract with geico university of west london ranking world university of west london ranking world [42] K.K. [51] The Enwang people moved to the present site of Henshaw town.[51]. The images, ideology, and secrecy associated with kp have been studied for more than one hundred years, and yet crucial features of the history of kp and its transformation have been neglected. NSUWorks - Nova Southeastern University Institutional Repository There are said to be at least three mass migration from Ndodoghi. It is not just because of its spiritual or cultic functions but for the fact that the institution was a pre-colonial police judiciary system (Bassey, 1998). Ekpe masquerade mimic the form of a lion or leopard moves. And there are definitely more than 10 Ekpe members still around today. LEFT Omabe Eze sewing an ukara, Ezillo, southeastern Nigeria. This exhibition examines the ukara cloth of the Ekpe secret society, a multi-ethnic all-male association in southeastern Nigeria and western Cameroon, exploring both the longstanding cultural practice the cloth represents and the artistic process involved in its creation. [61] Due to the fall in global demand for slaves and several other factors, the kings and chiefs of Old Calabar wrote to the British requesting that they send teachers and missionaries to Old Calabar to establish industries and introduce the religion of the white man to them. Prior to the arrival of the missionaries in 1846, many Efik traders were fluent in English and a number of African and European languages. 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. Cross River Cultural Heritage: reports from home and from the African Laws were passed to halt several practices regarded as unchristian. 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. Ukara cloth, an indigo stitched and dyed cloth is significant to the people of Igbo land. ________. One-word searches work best.Use AND to require multiple terms: LEFT Small ukara with minute patterned design and Omu Aro symbol. [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. Jeffreys also stated, "There is reason to believe that a considerable portion of a small Ibibio clan called Ebrutu or Eburutu was the earliest stock of the Efik; for, when the missionaries settled in 1846 at Old Calabar amongst these people for the first time, it was found that they called themselves not Efik but Ebrutu or Ebrutu Efik. laja Tachiri Obi Ruo gwgw: O Nyefere lasha r Ya ugly and deformed, but predicted to be the mother of a great king. Wake Keeping, Viewing and service in Dallas, Texas. Another theory which is narrated by Forde and Jones states that the name "Efik" translates to "Tyrants" or "He who oppresses" and was the name of which the Efik called themselves after they had settled at Creek town.[12].