ekpe society cameroon ekpe society cameroon

[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. [11] Ibonda (an Efut clan) has sometimes been appended to Adiabo as one of the seven Efik clans. Ukara are made exclusively for members of the Ekpe society, an interethnic men's association found throughout southeastern Nigeria and western Cameroon. Body art plays a major role in Ibibio art. The symbols are arranged in a grid, giving the cloths an orderly, symmetrical quality that is often reinforced by repeated patterns. The group is gaining grounds as it seems to incessantly predict the total destruction of the planet earth. Laws were passed to halt several practices regarded as unchristian. ________. The island is believed to be named after a fisherman from Mbiabo known as Ene Ankot. 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 . Wake Keeping, Viewing and service in Dallas, Texas. 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. Members of the Ekpe society are said to act as [52] On the death of Chief Willy Tom Robins, a number of rituals were performed. The process of creating this richly symbolic cloth is laborious. two young foreign men to whom she gives the power to defeat her. Efik names were often anglicised to gain the trust of European traders. 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. GitHub export from English Wikipedia. Oge ruru ka laja nyefee lasha r ya ma gaa rwa r e nyere ya ebe z. 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. [5] The Efik refer to themselves as Efik Eburutu, Ifa Ibom, Eburutu and Iboku. Some meals have been mentioned often in the 19th century historical literature of Old Calabar. In the Song of Ocol, Lawino's husband gives his side, arguing that: Ocol throws Lawino out of his house because: Ocol says that "__________________________ are chains around the neck, chains of slavery". Thanks for signing up for our daily insight on the African economy. [9] The Efik have also been referred to as "Calabar people" in historical literature. The missionaries who arrived in 1846 contributed to the changes in women's attire in Efik society. As a child, Sunjata at first looks unpromising because: In one of the most dramatic episodes in the Sunjata Epic, Sunjata first begins to demonstrate his extraordinary abilities when he: avenges an insult to his mother by uprooting a tree and placing it in front of her house. The traditional attire for men usually consists of a white long-sleeved shirt, a long broad soft neckerchief or scarf of costly material (Efik: kpmkpm) and a wrapper tied around the waist (Efik: Usobo).[83]. Although Behrendt and Graham reveal that Calabar had been a major trading port since the first half of the seventeenth century, Efik historians such as Aye assert that the Efik had been trading with the Europeans since the last quarter of the 15th century. The cloth is made of plain cotton but transformed into a ritual object when nsibidi symbols are inscribed onto it through indigo dyeing. [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. Ekpe Society 1st Conclave from Sept 16 to 17 2009, Ekpe DC Sessekou relaxing during the conclave, Ekpe Society members with Justice Hilman Egbe at a MECA DC meeting. [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. [69] The society is divided into five main grades such as Nkanda, Oku akama, Nyamkpe, Okpoho and Ebonko. [46] On their exit from Obutong, they are believed to have sought the permission of Oku Atai to use the Ntinya. 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". 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. [49] The Enwang are believed to have ruled Atakpa for a number of years. [77] The fibre of the leaf-stalk of a palm was made into a thread and woven to make clothes and bags. The ethnic group to which most of the characters belong is the __________________people. 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 area from which the Sunjata Epic comes was historically: the geographical location of the great medieval African kingdoms - Ghana, Mali, and Songhai. (Multiple Deaths at Ndodoghi creek, Ema Atai Ema Atai, Priest-king, lost his sight in death). [41] Latham hypothesizes that the Efik may have arrived before the middle of the seventeenth century. It is also used by the Igbo and Efik. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. 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. [65] Although the missionaries and rulers of Creek town and Duke town protested, their protests fell on deaf ears. 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. Nair dates the arrival of the Efik towards the end of the seventeenth century or the beginning of the eighteenth century. Residents in Ekpe villages often go to the group to help them seek justice when theyve been wronged. 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. 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 [59] According to Rev. It is also found among a number of other ethnic groups, including the Bahumono of the Cross River State, the Ibibio, the Uruan and the Oron of Akwa Ibom State, Arochukwu and some other parts of Abia State, as well as in the diaspora, such as in Cuba and Brazil. 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 [68] The society is believed to have been introduced in Calabar from Usahadet. They migrated from Bateka and settled in their current location in flight. The Ogboni fraternity is said to have a strong affiliation to royalty, gerontological system of governance and the law enforcement of the community. The Efik people are well known for a diverse number of cuisines. The Ekpe society may be regarded as one of the most important institutions among the Efik people. They came from Mbiak Creek in Ibibio country. (a) What are the Clowns trying to accomplish in this scene? [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. The group believes that when they eat human flesh, they gain the ability to transform into a crocodile. (Ed.). 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. LEFT Mgballa Ekpe lodge with Ekpe members, Arochukwu, southeastern Nigeria. Children of Efik maternal descent are still regarded as Efik and have contributed to the development of the Efik society. The destruction of Obutong occurred in 1854. identity. In modern-day Efik society, nyny is worn on various occasions such as weddings and traditional events. The cloth is then dipped in indigo dye and hung to dry. [11] The last three clans had greatly dwindled in number and many of their members are believed to have been miscegenated into other Efik clans. 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. clothing stores in columbia mall The Ekpe Masquerade Jun. The first letter of the word is correctly written as "" and denotes plurality. 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. I Am Niki Buroro Agbor Ekpe Jerome a holder of a professional Masters in Forestry and wildlife Engineering with focus on Protected Area Management, Masters of Science in Forest Governance and policies from University of Dschang and Professional Masters in Environmental Science (ESIA) university of Yaounde 1. "Egbo" redirects here. The ekpe society has spawned a large number of Nsbd . Members of the Ekpe society are said to act as messengers of the ancestors (ikan). 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 Efik language was also spoken in several communities in Western Cameroon. 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. [9][38] The Adiabo group is believed to have left to their present location after the Mbiabo exodus. 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. Bell of King Eyo Honesty II at Creek Town, Ekeng ita (also known as James Henshaw), Obong of Henshaw Town (c.a 1875). In the culture we have discussed, the term dalilu refers to: an individual's personal power, knowledge, or ability, inborn but enhanced and developed through training and experience. Another account from the Qua claimed that Ekpe (Mgbe) migrated from Cameroon. [82] The name Itu ita translates to three manatees and is named because the masts of the ship resembled the manatee (Itu). 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. Members of the Ekpe society are said to act as messengers of the [37] When many of the Efik had left for Ndodoghi, a series of unfortunate events occurred. Welcome to brotherhood Illuminati where you can becomerich famous and popular and your life story we be changetotally my name is Dan Jerry I am here to share mytestimony on how I join the great brotherhood Illuminatiand my life story was change immediately . [52] These atrocities angered the missionaries and European captains alike. 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 . [13] Throughout the centuries, Efik traders traded with the Portuguese, Dutch, English and French. English language is spoken in the South-Western part of Cameroon. The Ekpe Society is a religious and cultural institution among the Efik people, it can also be found among the Annang and the Ibibios. Efik traders played a major role during the era of the Transatlantic slave trade. Living in what is now Southeast Nigeria and Southwest Cameroon, the people were physically divided by British and German colonial holdings in Africa. The Efik acted as the middlemen between the European vessels and the inland slave traders. . Group members would disguise themselves as leopards, wearing leopard skins, carrying claw-like weapons, and attacking their prey. Goldie describes Eburutu as a country that consists of various ethnic groups. 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. [1] Ekpe members always wear masks when performing their police duties, and although individuals may nonetheless be recognized, fear of retribution from the ikan stops people from accusing those members who may overstep their limits. [52] The Captains wrote the acting consul who was stationed at Fernando Po. They use a variety of masks to execute social control. Aye in 2000 does not mention the Efut as being the primary occupants. [33] When the husband of the Uruan woman learnt of the issue, he wanted to fight the Efik. the exhibition explores the long- 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. It is uncertain the specific year that the Efik arrived Creek Town. Welcome, Love, Peace and Unity in Nsibidi. The society combines a kind of freemasonry with political and law enforcing aims. During weddings, the bride wears at least two different nyny. [51] Nsutana was a dreaded island where twins were abandoned to die. 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. [9] The largest group moved to Creek town from Ndodoghi led by the priest-king Eyo Ema Atai.[38]. Papers documenting the research materials and scholarly work of Dr. Ivor L. Miller in cultural studies of the African Diaspora. [15] This theory appears to be isolated as other Ibibio writers do not narrate that such terms were used by the Ibibio. [78] Raffia palm clothing (Efik: f Ndam) could also be exported from other communities especially when a community made the best raffia clothing. The three most popular theories include an Igbo origin, Ibibio origin and Palestinian origin. In the culture we have discussed, the term fadenya refers to: the relationship between father and child, and half siblings - requiring self-assertion, independence, innovation, and competition. [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. Alcoholic content may be increased via adding the red bark of Edat (Sacoglottis gabonensis) to the wine. According to E.U. The primary society is located in the Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Arochukwu areas of Nigeria, and the secondary society consists of members from the Southern and Eastern Igbo groups of the same country. [40] The outcome of the fall of the tree led to several deaths in their clan. Several theories have been propounded on the origin of the word. [32] The men were wet and complained of hunger and fatigue. 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. One of the most important castes in this society is the jeli caste. [80] Ivory bracelets (Efik: Mme) were worn by wealthy women. 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). Miller's current book, Voice of the Leopard (UP of Mississippi, 2008), documents the little known history of the Cuban Abaku, a mutual-aid institution derived from the Ekpe (leopard) society of the Cross River region of Nigeria and Cameroon. Several periods have been estimated by foreign scholars and indigenous historians. With the inception of the transatlantic slave trade, a number of foreign clothes were introduced into Efik society. Dropping by to say, "Hi!" [37] When the Efik realised what was going on, they rose to their feet and fought back. 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. Proponents of this theory range from missionaries, explorers, colonial anthropologists and later historians. The Ekpe society is the most renowned traditional institution in Efik history. 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. Ed Keazor Follow Barrister-at-Law Advertisement Advertisement Recommended Ukara cloth, an indigo stitched and dyed cloth is significant to the people of Igbo land. Efik populations are found in the following regions: Secret societies aided in the maintaining of law and order at Old Calabar. Photo by Eli Bentor. There are said to be at least three mass migration from Ndodoghi. According to Historians, this technique of indigo-dyeing was developed in the Dogon kingdom in Mali (West Africa) dating back to the 11th century. 16, 2014 3 likes 6,498 views Download Now Download to read offline Education Spiritual Technology A short description of the ancient Ekpe Masquerade and its cultural and spiritual significance, in the life of the people of the Cross River basin. An account from the Qua said the origin of the Ekpe people can be traced to Cameron. Ekpe is a mysterious spirit who is supposed to live in the jungle and to preside at the ceremonies of the society. For the surname, see, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Art and Life in Africa: Eket Information" University of Iowa, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ekpe&oldid=1101939539, This page was last edited on 2 August 2022, at 15:27. Additional Touches Prior to the introduction of industrialised cubic-shaped seasonings such as maggi and know, Crayfish was used to make meals more spicy. 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. Ikpaya is now worn by an Obong-elect during the traditional coronation ceremony. The economics of the society is based on paying tribute to the village ancestors. The Ogboni is a fraternity indigenous to Nigeria, Benin and Togo. Iwewe is a type of boiled yam mashed with a small amount of palm oil and stirred with a spoon. [42] K.K. Only males can join, boys being initiated about the age of puberty. quickly adapted to fulfil other economic and civil functions. Ekpe is a mysterious spirit who is supposed to live in the jungle and to preside at the ceremonies of the society. 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. Today, it is no longer the same Ekpe society of decades ago. One-word searches work best.Use AND to require multiple terms: LEFT Small ukara with minute patterned design and Omu Aro symbol. ekpe society cameroon. I hope Queen Victoria and young prince will live long time and we get good friend. the Ekpe society. Right now, Ekpe . Due to the peregrinations of Efik traders across the lower Cross River region, The Efik language was regarded as the language of commerce in the Cross river region. It is a male-only society, and members are bound by secrecy. [34] When the Uruan woman realised that Abasi had broken her axe, she insisted that the axe should be repaired. (1985). In Cuba, the Ekoi are always evoked as early founders of the Abaku society,18 and their spirits are worshiped. Each grade has a chieftain or an Obong. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). JavaScript is disabled. Omissions? In its vastness, the Ekpe is a well structured society with semi-caste characteristics, in that, there are categories and titles which one may qualify to be initiated into, while others are strictly reserved for persons of certain status and backgrounds. A list of some of Africa's most prominent cults and secret societies of all time. Efik traders could speak, write and read the English language. [33] Abasi's husband insisted that the problem should be resolved by the chiefs. It described the religion, social, economic and political structures of the society as progressive and dynamic. [38] The Efik bard Adiaha Etim Anua recites in her 1910 ballad that "Mkpana Ndodoghi Edik. of Bamum, of Cameroon in his kingly attire seated on the throne with his chiefs flanked round him (Plate 2). The society is still active at the beginning of the 21st century, now playing more of a ceremonial role. The Neegee or Crocodile Society is considered evil by the Poro and Sande groups. 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. [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. [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. LEFT Ezillo man drawing a grid pattern to be filled with nsibidi designs, Ezillo, southeastern Nigeria. Aye dates the arrival of the Efik in Creek Town to the fourteenth century. The year 1841 marked the official signing of papers by Efik kings to stop the exportation of slaves from Old Calabar. Why do you think it is important for us to understand our past? kp had four major roles in pre-colonial life. Among the Southern Igbo, the Ekpe society, introduced from the Cross River area, uses contrasting masks to represent the maiden spirit and the elephant spirit, the latter representing ugliness and aggression and the former representing beauty and peacefulness. [67] Communities within the Calabar metropolis such as Efut, Kiong and Qua also speak and understand the Efik language. The Efik (Calabar) caste structure of Ekpe . One theory asserts that Ukpong Atai Atai Ema Atai, Adim Atai Atai Ema Atai and other co-founders founded Obutong after one of Eyo Ema's people was killed during a wrestling match with Ukpong Atai at Creek town. . Having associated broadly with foreigners in the pre-colonial era and . Ikpa Ene was a virgin island on the banks of the Cross river. authority as head of the Ekpe (Egbo), or Leopard, society. [74][75] Modern Efik society is a melting pot of people of diverse origin. According to Parker, When there, Dick Ebro' asking him to go to war with him, he complied, and accordingly having sitted out and armed the canoes, they went up the river, lying under the bushes in the day when they came near a village; and at night flying up to the village, and taking hold of every one they could see. The Leopard Society was allegedly a cannibalistic society in the early-to-mid 2oth century in Sierra Leone, Libera and Cte dIvoire. Another theory narrated by Chief Efiom Obo Effanga of Obutong asserts that Antia Ekot Otong founded Obutong. The Ekpe was vested with the powers of policing and bringing justice to the Efik kingdom. LEFT Ekpe cage during Ikot Ekpe ritual in 2009. 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. At least in the past, very large sums were paid to attain these upper levels. The article was a not-so-deep exploration of indigenous African writing systems and languages. History The Ekoi people, while all speaking the same language, have not tended to live in complete unison. Here's a look inside. By the 18th and 19th centuries, the Efik strategy for filling the international demand for slaves was via obtaining slaves from inland slave traders such as Eniong, Ndokki and Arochukwu. They are well respected agents of wealth distribution in the community.. kp lodges ruled local communities while also managing regional and long-distance trade. Upon leaving the Cameroon territory, the Ibibio arrived at their present location following two major directions. Several accounts have been given on the migration from Creek town to Obutong. 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. [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.