[81] [50] Okoho Efiom bore twins whose paternal parentage have often been debated. Have you ever thought about starting a secret society? While their political authority is largely diminished today, Ekpe membership is still prestigious and the society continues to be a unifying force among the Ejagham, Igbo, Efik, Ibibio, and other cultural groups in the Cross River region. [49] The Enwang are believed to have ruled Atakpa for a number of years. [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. [74][75] I'm a queer mom and my daughter has decided to attend an anti-gay Bible college. Read More mask To be a member, one must be a part of Yoruba nobility. [45] Eyo Ema's people occupied Otung in the south of Creek Town, Adim Atai and Ukpong Atai occupied the east and Efiom Ekpo's family occupied the Adakuko in the west. They migrated from Bateka and settled in their current location in flight. One account narrates that the Mbiabo group left first to their present location while the Iboku, Enwang and other clans were still at Ndodoghi. The Ekpe Society is a religious and cultural institution among the Efik people, it can also be found among the Annang and the Ibibios. It was worth every penny and made me feel like a kid again. The persistence oftheAbakua society contradicts the official construction ofa Cuban national identity. 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. [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. Ema Atai Ema Atai, Edidem, Biop sai." A delegation of kp 'leopard' society initiates, as well as family members, traveled from Mamfe, Manyu Division of southwest Cameroon, to Yaound, the Cameroon capital to honor and reclaim the body of their leader and father, who had recently transited to the ancestors. The presentation, by Ekpe members from Cameroon, Nigeria and Cuba was arranged by Chief Dr. Ivor Miller and coordinated by Sessekous Ojong-Orock, Joseph Mbu and Mbe Tazi. The Ekpe Society. History The Ekoi people, while all speaking the same language, have not tended to live in complete unison. This is evident in a testimony by Isaac Parker, a ship-keeper who lived at Duke town in 1765 for 5 months. Several accounts have been narrated on the migration of the Efik before their arrival at Old Calabar. We are about loving, encouraging, embracing, teaching, and building with black people. The Efik acted as the middlemen between the European vessels and the inland slave traders. The Ogboni is a fraternity indigenous to Nigeria, Benin and Togo. [19], The Ibibio origin of the Efik is one of the most popular among scholars. Photo by Eli Bentor. Internal details about the membership and brotherhood demands of this ancient group is supposedly a top secret known only to the members. 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. Hope Waddell, Samuel Edgerley and four others. 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. In a Somali tale, the main character, Eghal Shillet, is: a braggart and coward who finds every possible excuse to avoid going into battle. [36] These Ngolo created the Ekpe society and invented the Nsibidi writing system in Usakadet (Isangele). 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. [49] Several events at Creek town later led to a wave of migration from Creek town to Duke town. The society is somewhat akin to a free mason group and does some unofficial law enforcement. The group believes that when they eat human flesh, they gain the ability to transform into a crocodile. Aye, Originally Ekpe Fraternity was for religious purposes, but as the Calabar community became complicated owing to the new wealth which the early trade with Europeans brought it was. Goldie describes Eburutu as a country that consists of various ethnic groups. [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. [46] On their exit from Obutong, they are believed to have sought the permission of Oku Atai to use the Ntinya. Papers documenting the research materials and scholarly work of Dr. Ivor L. Miller in cultural studies of the African Diaspora. [78] Raffia palm clothing (Efik: f Ndam) could also be exported from other communities especially when a community made the best raffia clothing. Another account from the Qua claimed that Ekpe (Mgbe) migrated from Cameroon. The Efik in Nigeria have Nkanda as the basic Ekpe whereas, in Cameroon we have Ekpe as the starting point in Ekpe. 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. [48] Jeffreys theory is unpopular with a large majority of the Efik. [5] The Efik refer to themselves as Efik Eburutu, Ifa Ibom, Eburutu and Iboku. 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. Speaking at the ceremony, the head of Ekpe of Afap village, Seseku Daniel Laluh said with Prof Ayuk's commitment in the village, the Ekpe society thought it necessary to confer him the Seseku. 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 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. Write the meaning in the blank. Oral tradition holds that a type of clothing known as "Itu ita" was the earliest fabric imported into Old Calabar. Enyi laja na lasha b nyeere ha aka idi nsogbu nd baara ha. Ekpe is a mysterious spirit who is supposed to live in the jungle and to preside at the ceremonies of the society. According to Historians, this technique of indigo-dyeing was developed in the Dogon kingdom in Mali (West Africa) dating back to the 11th century. Laws were passed to halt several practices regarded as unchristian. The cloth is then dipped in indigo dye and hung to dry. [52] These atrocities angered the missionaries and European captains alike. Only males can join, boys being initiated about the age of puberty. 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. Colonial Anthropologist M.D.W. Here is a list of some of Africa's most prominent cults of all time: The Ekpe is a secret society that lives mostly in Nigeria and whose members are typically law enforcers and politicians. Aye and Eyo Okon Akak. Ekpe translates to Leopard in the Efik language and is believed to be a spirit that resides in the forest. She or he is a random of nature, a result of mixed up and confused spiritual genetics. 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. The group has managed to stay mostly hidden for over more than 100 years. [70] Several meals were composed of yam such as Usu abia, Iwk abia, Afia abia, sb abia, Edifrai abia and fp abia. The Ekpe-men are ranked in seven or nine grades, for promotion to each of which fresh initiation ceremonies, fees and oaths are necessary.[1]. [22] This is further proven by Talbot who proves that other ethnicities appended the name "Eburutu" or "Oburutu" to their ethnic names. Ethnographic - (Mask, Elephant, Cape, Chicken Feather); Elephant Mask with Chicken Feather Cape, Bekom People, Cameroon. [52] The missionaries respected the native law but the European Captains acted rashly and desired that an example be set on Obutong. Jeffreys states that a disruption among the Okobo around the town of Ekeya in the Eket district led to the founding of Obutong. [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. A reconsideration of kp and Abaku suggests an agenda for the study of kp in diaspora from a different perspective. [6][7], The name Efik first appears in historical literature in the nineteenth century. The Efik are an ethnic group located primarily in southern Nigeria, and western Cameroon. Okoho Efiom bore the twins at Nsutana and raised them up for years. The story of The River Between by Ngugi wa Thiong'o, takes place in _________________ (name of present-day country) in the mid 1800's. Posted on March 01, 2015 In modern-day Efik society, nyny is worn on various occasions such as weddings and traditional events. Living in what is now Southeast Nigeria and Southwest Cameroon, the people were physically divided by British and German colonial holdings in Africa. An entire topic will be dedicated to discussing the Ekpe society and its legacy in the near future. Some of the oldest of these societies were Nyana Nyaku and Nsibidi. While some explorers describe the Efik as travellers who past through the Ibibio country, others assert that the Efik are of Ibibio stock. The economics of the society is based on paying tribute to the village ancestors. Corrections? Iwewe is a type of boiled yam mashed with a small amount of palm oil and stirred with a spoon. [9] The largest group moved to Creek town from Ndodoghi led by the priest-king Eyo Ema Atai.[38]. At Old Calabar, traders had slowly started transitioning completely into the lucrative palm oil trade. The Ekoi in Cameroon are found in the South Western region of the count. I was very poorno job and I has no money to even feed and take care of myfamily I was confuse in life I dont know what to do I try allmy possible best to get money but no one work out for meeach day I share tears, I was just looking out my family nomoney to take care of them until one day I decided to jointhe great Illuminati , I come across them in the internet Inever believe I said let me try I email them.all what theysaid we happen in my life just started it was like a dream tome they really change my story totally . This site uses cookies to help personalize content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. [33] When the husband of the Uruan woman learnt of the issue, he wanted to fight the Efik. [53] Aphrom was a corruption of Ephraim which was an anglicised form of the Efik name Efiom. [37] When the Efik realised what was going on, they rose to their feet and fought back. quickly adapted to fulfil other economic and civil functions. . Cameroon with the Ekpe cult. 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. [8] The bulk of the Efik can be found in Calabar. 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". Gelede Egbe: Yoruba Women's Sacred Society. 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". It became a truly multi-group society, finding its' way to almost all groups in the region and gaining dominance in . Instead, each settlement had its own lodge of the initiation society called kp, or "leopard," which was the highest indigenous authority. 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 Cuba, the Ekoi are always evoked as early founders of the Abaku society,18 and their spirits are worshiped. After the decline of the slave trade, the Efik transitioned into the business of exporting palm oil from the Cross river. 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. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. The Ekpe society is the most renowned traditional institution in Efik history. Opinions expressed belong solely to the author and do not represent the views of other Members, Management, or the Community at large. Her behavior at the board meeting was obsequious\mathit{obsequious}obsequious; for example, she actually offered to wash the company president's car! [39] At Ndodoghi, the Efik priest-king Ema Atai Ema Atai died and was succeeded by his son Eyo Ema Atai Ema Atai Iboku. Ekpe" which literally means Lion, is a traditional secret society originated from the Ekoi tribe in Cross River State. [47], By the seventeenth century, more Efik settlements had been founded. This created a need for Ekpe DC to have a full Ayamba Nkanda (Nkanda Chief). [37] A captured invader confessed that they were set to retrieve royal emblems which they believed the Efik had taken with them when they left Uruan. 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. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Modern Efik society is a melting pot of people of diverse origin. Sunjata's half-brother, Dankaran Touman, enrages Sunjata and nearly causes civil war by: murdering an innocent young man, thinking he is Sunjata. 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. [27] A number of reasons have been given on why the Efik left Uruan. [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. Law and order in Efik society was maintained via a number of secret societies. [69] The society is divided into five main grades such as Nkanda, Oku akama, Nyamkpe, Okpoho and Ebonko. 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 kp ("leopard") society represents an ancient African institution that provided the supreme functions of governance in the communal societies of the forest regions of the Cross-River basin and the hilly terrain to the east, in what is called today southeastern Nigeria and southwestern Cameroon. No disrespect allowed. Here are 8 prominent cults and secret societies in Africa. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected! [52] On the death of Chief Willy Tom Robins, a number of rituals were performed. "[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. Thanks for signing up for our daily insight on the African economy. Due to the volume of cultural exchange, many other ethnic groups have often been regarded as being one with the Efik such as Kiong and Efut. [32] The Efik having pity on these men gave them food and showed them hospitality. The practice and display of Ekpe masquerade have been modified. [1] The trade-off is that the Amama often control the majority of the community wealth. Many families sent their children to European captains to teach them English and the processes involved in the international trade. [11] The bulk of the Enwang and Usukakpa are located in the present-day Akwa Ibom state. Ukara are made exclusively for members of the Ekpe society, an interethnic men's association found throughout southeastern Nigeria and western Cameroon. One of Thompson's pupils, Ivor Miller, has now produced a noteworthy study, concentrating specifically on one particular secret society, Ekpe, of the Cross River region of southeastern Nigeria and southwestern Cameroon; its transfiguration on Cuban soil into the Abakua society; and the ensuing effect of Abakua in shaping all aspects of the . These drums are a regional phenomenon; they are not identified with any particular ethnic community, nor with any specific cultural group or initiation club.
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