ekpe society cameroon

[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. I'm still struggling to understand her choice. The tentative program is as follows: January 27th and 28th, 2012. Members of the Ekpe society are said to act as messengers of the ancestors ( ikan ). The cloth is then dipped in indigo dye and hung to dry. The group is a mutual aid society known for elaborate street dances and very high. [77] Women wore a number of brass rings on their legs and arms. Ekpe society was the first tribe to come up with this design and archaeologists have found traces of this fabric even in southwestern Cameroon. Aye in 2000 does not mention the Efut as being the primary occupants. 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. 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. Efik traders could speak, write and read the English language. Ekpe" which literally means Lion, is a traditional secret society originated from the Ekoi tribe in Cross River State. Many families sent their children to European captains to teach them English and the processes involved in the international trade. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. [12] Due to the support of the missionaries, the Efik language became the language of religion. [72] Over the years, the Victorian dress has been modified and given what is regarded as a dignified African look. I am a young researcher who have a great love for forest conservation, community . 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. [47] At the time of their exit from Creek town, the reigning monarch of Creek town was their half brother Oku Atai Atai Ema Atai. The earliest documented letter to an English captain from a chief of Old Calabar was written in 1770. 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]. Photo by Eli Bentor. 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. LEFT Omabe Eze sewing an ukara, Ezillo, southeastern Nigeria. 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. The Ekpe Society or Mgbe society as it is also fondly called is very reputable and covers a wider range of ethnic groups such as: the Efut; the Efik; the Qua-Ejegham, and the Okonko ( the Igbo-speaking areas). The term igo has also been used for the organization's members. It is also used by the Igbo and Efik. Only males can join, boys being initiated about the age of puberty. The Efik speak the Efik language which is a member of the BenueCongo subfamily of the Niger-Congo language group. I'm a queer mom and my daughter has decided to attend an anti-gay Bible college. Jeffreys states that a disruption among the Okobo around the town of Ekeya in the Eket district led to the founding of Obutong. [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. Ekpe, also known as Mgbe/Egbo (Ekoi language: leopard; derived from the Ibibio term for the same), is a West African secret society in Nigeria and Cameroon flourishing chiefly among the Efiks. Ethnographic - (Head crest, Ejagham People): Worn by a member of the Ekpe Society to intimidate and punish anyone who has broken tribal law. Enyi laja na lasha b nyeere ha aka idi nsogbu nd baara ha. Ekpe could take life and could give it; it could condemn a whole town to a heavy fine and was promptly paid; it could punish offenders and could forgive; even kings and Obongs could never escape Ekpe laws and edicts.[69]. The Neegee is a cannibalistic group that feeds on human flesh to satisfy their God, and to gain power from that God. "[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. Cameroon with the Ekpe cult. The Ekpe society may be regarded as one of the most important institutions among the Efik people. These missionaries together with King Eyo Honesty II brought several changes to Old Calabar society. 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]. Black Spirituality / Religion - General Discussion, http://odinanilawsofnature.wordpress.com/2010/11/10/finding-god-in-nature/, http://tourismafricana.com/origin-history-ekpe-soceity.html. [1] The trade-off is that the Amama often control the majority of the community wealth. Welcome, Love, Peace and Unity in Nsibidi. In Cuba, the Ekoi are always evoked as early founders of the Abaku society,18 and their spirits are worshiped. Within Nigeria, the Efik can be found in the present-day Cross River State and Akwa Ibom state. 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. It has a variety of different characters and is indigenous to areas of Southeastern Nigeria and . African literature has been disregarded as serious literature in the past because: Original African systems of recording information in symbols include the ______ script, of the Ekpe society of the Ejagham of Cameroon and Nigeria. The society is somewhat akin to a free mason group and does some unofficial law enforcement. 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 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.). Ekpe Efik was used as a government instrument in Bakassi in exercising authority for more than 200 years ago (E.O.Efiong-Fuller, 1996). Hood Quarterly, spring 2015 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. The term "Calabar people" was particularly popular prior to the nineteenth century and was synonymous to the Efik.[6]. Nsibidi is a body of ideographic, abstract, and gestural signs deployed by the Ekpe society as a form of coded communication. The Efik language was also spoken in several communities in Western Cameroon. Lawino says that her husband's house is a "dark forest of _______________________". [76] Uffp (native gin) is distilled from palm wine and is sometimes mixed with the bark of Edat to increase the alcoholic content. [49] The Enwang are believed to have ruled Atakpa for a number of years. Each grade has a chieftain or an Obong. [37] When the Efik realised what was going on, they rose to their feet and fought back. Hugh, Goldie. [9] The largest group moved to Creek town from Ndodoghi led by the priest-king Eyo Ema Atai.[38]. "[21] Jeffreys assertion regarding Eburutu being a single Ibibio clan is proven false by earlier definitions of Eburutu by Rev. 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. There is not even one single manyangero mentioned on all the write up on any of the ekpe/mgbe stories. [14], The name "Efik" translates to "Oppressors" and is derived from the Efik-Ibibio verb root "Fik" (English: Oppress). 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. Festival organised by Global Music Exchange (ht. [52] The missionaries respected the native law but the European Captains acted rashly and desired that an example be set on Obutong. Sunjata's victory against Sumaworo comes in part because: Sumaworo loses the support of his nephew, Fakoli. [41] Latham hypothesizes that the Efik may have arrived before the middle of the seventeenth century. Large amounts of pepper was also uncommon in Efik cuisines. Aye provides the following names among these priest-kings including Ema Atai Iboku, Ekpe Atai Iboku, Ukpong Atai Iboku. [33] Abasi's husband insisted that the problem should be resolved by the chiefs. Cow meat was also consumed but the Efik native cow was rarely eaten or milked by the Efik. LEFT Ekpe cage during Ikot Ekpe ritual in 2009. 2017). Meat and fish are the major sources of protein in Efik cuisines. 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 theory states that the Efik and Uruan had separate religious customs and the Efik refused to worship the Uruan deity Atakpor Uruan Inyang. [79] Ikpaya a royal type of gown also made from raffia. Simple theme. Imbued with transcendental aura, ukara conveys the sacrality and prestige of the Ekpe secret society. They migrated from Bateka and settled in their current location in flight. According to E.U. They came from Mbiak Creek in Ibibio country. The earliest list of Efik traders is provided in Jean Barbot's manuscript which was later printed in 1732. Colonial Anthropologist M.D.W. The island is believed to be named after a fisherman from Mbiabo known as Ene Ankot. Among these laws were the Abolition of twin-killings, abolition of the esere bean ordeal, abolition of human sacrifices and several other practices. 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. 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]. Cameroon's multilingual Cross River basin. 4. [52] The Captains wrote the acting consul who was stationed at Fernando Po. [16] Baikie said Ibibio are traced to the Igbo. Her behavior at the board meeting was obsequious\mathit{obsequious}obsequious; for example, she actually offered to wash the company president's car! After the tapping process, the wine is left to ferment for five hours. Ekpe means leopard, not lion. [50] Okoho Efiom bore twins whose paternal parentage have often been debated. Click to expose navigation links on mobile. The Efik (Calabar) caste structure of Ekpe . [36] [37] The items believed to have been taken include Ikpaya (woven raffia robe), Akata (throne) and Ayang (Broom). 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 . [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. authority as head of the Ekpe (Egbo), or Leopard, society. No disrespect allowed. [19], The Ibibio origin of the Efik is one of the most popular among scholars. "[29] Essien's criticism is supported by the fact that in some Efik trado-religious songs, Atakpor Uruan is greatly extolled. Several accounts have been narrated on the migration of the Efik before their arrival at Old Calabar. The Efik language also borrows words from other ethnic groups such as Balondo, Oron, Efut, Okoyong, Efiat and Ekoi (Qua). 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. Hope all is well. Individual symbols may also have multiple meanings, rendering context important and interpretation inevitable in the "reading" of the body of represented signs. This is evident in a testimony by Isaac Parker, a ship-keeper who lived at Duke town in 1765 for 5 months. In modern-day Efik society, nyny is worn on various occasions such as weddings and traditional events. [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. Right now, Ekpe . [17] Some oral accounts by early Efik men also support the Igbo origin of the Efik. It was found in operation among a tribe down the coast towards Camaroons, but was improved and extended in its new field of operations.[60]. These are: the oral historians, kings' advisors, poets, and musicians whose power is the ability to manipulate words. [32] Another theory states that there was a disagreement between an Efik woman known as Abasi and an Uruan woman. Nair dates the arrival of the Efik towards the end of the seventeenth century or the beginning of the eighteenth century. [82] The Portuguese are said to have arrived in masted ships. of Old Calabar by the Ekpe secret society, which was controlled by the towns merchant houses. [54] The name "Agbisherea" (also known as Egbosherry) appended in the names of the two kings listed by Barbot, was the name of the country, on the coast of which they traded from. [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 group has managed to stay mostly hidden for over more than 100 years. The Ekale and their famous shaking shoulders performing at the "Under the Volcano Festival", Limbe Cameroon. Gelede Egbe: Yoruba Women's Sacred Society. Imhotep was a revered personality as he was believed to be with super powers of healing and influencing people and affairs of the community. ekpe society cameroon. Thanks for signing up for our daily insight on the African economy. 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. [67] Communities within the Calabar metropolis such as Efut, Kiong and Qua also speak and understand the Efik language. The Efik in Nigeria have Nkanda as the basic Ekpe whereas, in Cameroon we have Ekpe as the starting point in Ekpe. . Here are 8 prominent cults and secret societies in Africa. The Ekpe society most likely originated among the Efik people of southern Nigeria and from there spread across other tribes and language groups in Southern Nigeria. The Ekpe society, the regulatory society in Manyu Division also fixed a heavy fine on any defaulter. This material is believed to have been imported by the Portuguese (Oboriki). The article was a not-so-deep exploration of indigenous African writing systems and languages. When the threads are cut, the nsibidi designs stand out, white against a deep blue background. [64] They insisted that Obutong be completely destroyed. Aye dates the arrival of the Efik in Creek Town to the fourteenth century. It is uncertain when Obutong was founded but most Efik scholars hypothesize that it was founded in the 16th century. 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). 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 dress is often worn with ornaments such as necklaces and earrings made of coral beads. 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. This village was originally named Ta Set Maat. All willing to engage respectfully are welcome. One-word searches work best.Use AND to require multiple terms: LEFT Small ukara with minute patterned design and Omu Aro symbol. of Bamum, of Cameroon in his kingly attire seated on the throne with his chiefs flanked round him (Plate 2). 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]. 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. [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. 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. [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. Ekpe is a mysterious spirit who is supposed to live in the jungle and to preside at the ceremonies of the society. two young foreign men to whom she gives the power to defeat her. The story of The River Between by Ngugi wa Thiong'o, takes place in _________________ (name of present-day country) in the mid 1800's. [73] The Efik native cow (English: Ena Efk) was regarded with some amount of reverence and was mainly killed on rare occasions such as the festival for the installation of a new priest king. Copyright Dr. Ivor L. Miller. [51] The Enwang people moved to the present site of Henshaw town.[51]. At Ughoton, to the southwest of Benin, a different type of mask is used, in the cult. 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. [27] A number of reasons have been given on why the Efik left Uruan. Laws were passed to halt several practices regarded as unchristian. Prior to the introduction of industrialised cubic-shaped seasonings such as maggi and know, Crayfish was used to make meals more spicy. The destruction of Obutong occurred in 1854. [10] The original seven clans are scattered between Cross River state and Akwa Ibom state and consist of Iboku (Duke town, Henshaw town, Creek town and Cobham town), Obutong, Adiabo, Mbiabo (Mbiabo Edere, Mbiabo Ikot Offiong, Mbiabo Ikoneto), Enwang, Usukakpa and Abayen. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. While some explorers describe the Efik as travellers who past through the Ibibio country, others assert that the Efik are of Ibibio stock. Many believe this groups village at present day Deir el-Medina was the original location where freemasonry began. In this light, the Cameroon National Council of Traditional Rulers would be a welcomed . Having associated broadly with foreigners in the pre-colonial era and . . It may not display this or other websites correctly. [42] K.K. 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. 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. a warrior-hunter who, despite having been a cripple, becomes the founder of an empire. 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. [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. Among the earliest proponents of the Ibibio origin theory are Consul Hutchinson who stated, "The present inhabitants of Duke town, Old town and Creek town are descendants of the Egbo shary or Ibibio tribe up the Cross River. Archaeological evidence found that the group was extremely advanced in education for its time, and headed the construction of the Valley of the Kings. 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. 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 . 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 Ekpe-men are ranked in seven or nine grades, for promotion to each of which fresh initiation ceremonies, fees and oaths are necessary.[1]. [47] On the founding of Obutong, Colonial anthropologist M.D.W.

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