Explain. [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). 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. For instance any member wronged in an Ekpe district, that is one dominated by the society, has only to address an Ekpe-man or beat the Ekpe drum in the Ekpe-house, or blow Ekpe as it is called, i.e., sound the Ekpe horn, before the hut of the wrong-doer, and the whole machinery of the society is put in force to see justice done. 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. There is not even one single manyangero mentioned on all the write up on any of the ekpe/mgbe stories. "[21] Jeffreys assertion regarding Eburutu being a single Ibibio clan is proven false by earlier definitions of Eburutu by Rev. 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]. LEFT Omabe Eze sewing an ukara, Ezillo, southeastern Nigeria. Their king on the eastern Calabar coast was known as Ating Anua Efiom. 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. Ekpe - Wikipedia The Efik people speak the Efik language, which is a BenueCongo language of the Cross River family. Ekpe" which literally means Lion, is a traditional secret society originated from the Ekoi tribe in Cross River State. 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. "[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. The earliest documented letter to an English captain from a chief of Old Calabar was written in 1770. Social importance is attached to the highest ranks of Ekpe-men, called the Amama. Although used exclusively by members of Ekpe, ukara is produced by a sub-group in a village of the Ezillo community in present-day Ebonyi State in the Igbo area in southeastern Nigeria. Within Nigeria, the Efik can be found in the present-day Cross River State and Akwa Ibom state. 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. All willing to engage respectfully are welcome. Types of African Print Fabrics You Should Know Of - Fashinza 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. I am a young researcher who have a great love for forest conservation, community . 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. Efik traders could speak, write and read the English language. wikipedia.en/Akpakip_Oro.md at main chinapedia/wikipedia.en Some meals have been mentioned often in the 19th century historical literature of Old Calabar. Right now, Ekpe . Law and order in Efik society was maintained via a number of secret societies. 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. . To be a member, one must be a part of Yoruba nobility. Many families sent their children to European captains to teach them English and the processes involved in the international trade. At least in the past, very large sums were paid to attain these upper levels. This is evident in a testimony by Isaac Parker, a ship-keeper who lived at Duke town in 1765 for 5 months. ekpe society cameroon. Photo by Eli Bentor. Two nations; one language, culture - Daily Trust [45] internal dissensions and population expansion led to the movement of several families from Creek Town to Obutong, Atakpa, Nsidung and Ekoretonko. The history of the Efik is one of the most documented in subsaharan Africa. Black Spirituality / Religion - General Discussion, http://odinanilawsofnature.wordpress.com/2010/11/10/finding-god-in-nature/, http://tourismafricana.com/origin-history-ekpe-soceity.html. [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. The designs are part of a dynamic language known as nsibidi, which uses image and gestural performance to communicate knowledge guarded by society members. 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 . The persistence oftheAbakua society contradicts the official construction ofa Cuban national identity. 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. For the first time in history, Ekpe had a presentation at the highest institution of cultural anthropology in the world, the Smithsonian Museum. [48] Jeffreys theory is unpopular with a large majority of the Efik. LEFT Ekpe cage during Ikot Ekpe ritual in 2009. . 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. Read More mask Have you ever thought about starting a secret society? [8] The bulk of the Efik can be found in Calabar. The Efik language also borrows words from other ethnic groups such as Balondo, Oron, Efut, Okoyong, Efiat and Ekoi (Qua). [33] Abasi was angered by the Uruan woman and cursed the Uruan people who started to punish her for her insubordination. The three most popular theories include an Igbo origin, Ibibio origin and Palestinian origin. The economics of the society is based on paying tribute to the village ancestors. 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. EKPE SOCIETY: A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE DC EKPE LODGE - Blogger Define monsoon, Sanskrit, raja, caste system, caste, Hinduism, reincarnation, karma, dharma, yoga, Buddhism, ascetic, nirvana. 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. [79] Ikpaya a royal type of gown also made from raffia. [14], The name "Efik" translates to "Oppressors" and is derived from the Efik-Ibibio verb root "Fik" (English: Oppress). Archaeological evidence found that the group was extremely advanced in education for its time, and headed the construction of the Valley of the Kings. 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. [37] The items believed to have been taken include Ikpaya (woven raffia robe), Akata (throne) and Ayang (Broom). Now we can't sell slaves again we must have too much man for country; and want something for make work and trade, and if we could get seed for cotton and coffee we could make trade. The Efik language was also spoken in several communities in Western Cameroon. The Leopard Society was allegedly a cannibalistic society in the early-to-mid 2oth century in Sierra Leone, Libera and Cte dIvoire. Collection of Eli Bentor. (1985). The Ekpe Masquerade Secret Cult of Efik People Of Nigeria 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.). Walt Disney World at 50: The History of Disney's - Disney Matters But most importantly, it should be mentioned that if its members did not support the ostensible reality of ekpe, as a thing to be feared and appeased, then the Oral tradition holds that a type of clothing known as "Itu ita" was the earliest fabric imported into Old Calabar. Oral tradition has it that the Efik arrived Uruan in four groups i.e. Bell of King Eyo Honesty II at Creek Town, Ekeng ita (also known as James Henshaw), Obong of Henshaw Town (c.a 1875). Here's a look inside. EKPE SOCIETY - Blogger 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. [67] Communities within the Calabar metropolis such as Efut, Kiong and Qua also speak and understand the Efik language. [1] The trade-off is that the Amama often control the majority of the community wealth. Members of the Ekpe society are said to act as messengers of the The Ekpe Society is a religious and cultural institution among the Efik people, it can also be found among the Annang and the Ibibios. 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. The economics of the society is based on paying tribute to the village ancestors. Here are 8 prominent cults and secret societies in Africa. 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. Finding links between Africa and the Americas Hope Waddell, Samuel Edgerley and four others. After the decline of the slave trade, the Efik transitioned into the business of exporting palm oil from the Cross river. 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! Members of the Ekpe society are said to act as AHR ~ 125 Welcome, Love, Peace and Unity in Nsibidi. History The Ekoi people, while all speaking the same language, have not tended to live in complete unison. Internal details about the membership and brotherhood demands of this ancient group is supposedly a top secret known only to the members. The Ekpe Masquerade - SlideShare Further Perspectives on Kifwebe Masquerades - MIT Press 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]. 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. Okoho Efiom bore the twins at Nsutana and raised them up for years. A reconsideration of kp and Abaku suggests an agenda for the study of kp in diaspora from a different perspective. ekpe society cameroon - impactonoticia.news This is: After his "second birth", Waiyaki is brought to a sacred grove where: After the episode in the sacred grove, Waiyaki disappears from his home to: The two daughters of Joshua, Nyambura and Muthoni, have both been forbidden by their father to: Waiyaki tries to heal the conflict between the two ridges by: Waiyaki fails to achieve his goals because: The Language of Composition: Reading, Writing, Rhetoric, Lawrence Scanlon, Renee H. Shea, Robin Dissin Aufses, Edge Reading, Writing and Language: Level C, David W. Moore, Deborah Short, Michael W. Smith. Efik names were often anglicised to gain the trust of European traders. Cameroon-Nigeria Relations, 1884-1961: A Study in Political, Economic and Social Interactions Between Two Nigerian Neighbouring States. After the Efik had settled at Ikpa Ene, a party of men from Uruan arrived at Ikpa Ene. It is also used by the Igbo and Efik. Traditional societies and social change in Nigeria: a study of Ekpe 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). Eye of the Needle - Ken Follett 2015-07-07 The worldwide phenomenon from the bestselling author of The Pillars of the Earth, World Animals such as goats, chicken and dogs are consumed in Efik cuisine. 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. Over the years, the Victorian dress has been modified and given what is regarded as a dignified African look. [52] A number of people were hanged, shot and buried with the late chief according to the custom. Ukara: Ritual Cloth of the Ekpe Secret Society | Hood Museum Select search scope, currently: catalog all catalog, articles, website, & more in one search; catalog books, media & more in the Stanford Libraries' collections; articles+ journal articles & other e-resources 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. Among those who migrated with the Ngolo were various other nations who would later become part of the Oroko ethnic group. The Internet has shone light on manysecret societies, rendering them not so secret. Festival organised by Global Music Exchange (ht. Nsibidi | Eneke The Bird Among these missionaries were Rev. Alternate titles: Egbo, Ekpo, Leopard society. 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. The cult members are usually violent and self-destructive to the point of committing suicide. Hope all is well. [71] Meals such as Iwewe were fed to children and old people with no teeth or fragile teeth. 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. Another theory narrated by Chief Efiom Obo Effanga of Obutong asserts that Antia Ekot Otong founded Obutong. They are well respected agents of wealth distribution in the community.. [37] When many of the Efik had left for Ndodoghi, a series of unfortunate events occurred. An entire topic will be dedicated to discussing the Ekpe society and its legacy in the near future. One-word searches work best.Use AND to require multiple terms: LEFT Small ukara with minute patterned design and Omu Aro symbol. 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 . These are: the oral historians, kings' advisors, poets, and musicians whose power is the ability to manipulate words. These lettere were heeded to and in April 1846, the first missionaries arrived Old Calabar. The ekpo masquerade, occurring to the south and east of Benin, is performed by the warrior age group in ceremonies to purify the village ritually and to maintain health. LEFT Mgballa Ekpe lodge with Ekpe members, Arochukwu, southeastern Nigeria. 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. [26] At Uruan, they were ruled by a number of priest-kings Ndidem. Large amounts of pepper was also uncommon in Efik cuisines. [5] Group members would disguise themselves as leopards, wearing leopard skins, carrying claw-like weapons, and attacking their prey. The Ekale and their famous shaking shoulders performing at the "Under the Volcano Festival", Limbe Cameroon. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Tanzania and the Art of Africa | JTArtRave The Efik acted as the middlemen between the European vessels and the inland slave traders. part of the Balondos or Orokos in Ndian in Southern Cameroon) and Idombi (ie present town, called Bamusso in Ndian-Southern . Covering, concealing, and protecting their bodies, it functions as a physical metaphor for the ideological secrecy that the Ekpe society carefully constructs and guards. It was technically part of Nigeria, according to history, which was the reason we had the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC). The paper critically examined the Ekpe society in its indigenous form and nature prior the advent of Christianity, Western education and Western influence. [72] Gelede Egbe: Yoruba Women's Sacred Society. [44] [59] Ekpe is first mentioned in the historical literature of Old Calabar in the 1770s. The society is somewhat akin to a free mason group and does some unofficial law enforcement. 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. While some explorers describe the Efik as travellers who past through the Ibibio country, others assert that the Efik are of Ibibio stock. Imhotep was a revered personality as he was believed to be with super powers of healing and influencing people and affairs of the community. The Ekpe society is estimated by most foreign scholars to have been introduced into Old Calabar in the 18th century. The Oroko Nation: A Look into the Past - Oroko Nation PDF The Origin of Ekpe Masquerade and the Nsibidi symbols in Southern [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. ________. [36] The group is a mutual aid society known for elaborate street dances and very high. [22] This is further proven by Talbot who proves that other ethnicities appended the name "Eburutu" or "Oburutu" to their ethnic names. Our newsletter gives you access to a curated selection of the most important stories daily. 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. Objects and images in the exhibition courtesy of Dr. Eli Bentor. cherryblossom wrote on WARRIOR's profile. [47] Antia Ekot Otong is regarded as one of the descendants of the patriarch Otong Ama Ide. [37] When the Efik realised what was going on, they rose to their feet and fought back. Several accounts have been narrated on the migration of the Efik before their arrival at Old Calabar. [5] The Efik refer to themselves as Efik Eburutu, Ifa Ibom, Eburutu and Iboku. 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. [46] On their exit from Obutong, they are believed to have sought the permission of Oku Atai to use the Ntinya. LEFT Ezillo man drawing a grid pattern to be filled with nsibidi designs, Ezillo, southeastern Nigeria. Upon leaving the Cameroon territory, the Ibibio arrived at their present location following two major directions. [39] At Ndodoghi, the Efik priest-king Ema Atai Ema Atai died and was succeeded by his son Eyo Ema Atai Ema Atai Iboku. Some other clothings introduced into the market include smit, brutanya, isadh and nkisi. The Neegee or Crocodile Society is considered evil by the Poro and Sande groups. [19], The Ibibio origin of the Efik is one of the most popular among scholars. nineteenth centuries, no large kingdoms controlled Nigeria and Cameroon's multilingual Cross River basin. laja Tachiri Obi Ruo gwgw: O Nyefere lasha r Ya 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. Many believe this groups village at present day Deir el-Medina was the original location where freemasonry began. To cast light on African perspectives, and on the point of view of enslaved men and women, this group of top Africanist scholars has examined both conventional historical sources (e.g., European. Aye dates the arrival of the Efik in Creek Town to the fourteenth century. PDF The decline of Ekpe masquerade amongst the Efik speakers 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". Some of the oldest of these societies were Nyana Nyaku and Nsibidi. Written March 01, 2015 by Web Services Editor, Guarini School of Graduate & Advanced Studies, Copyright 2023 Trustees of Dartmouth College. Proponents of this theory range from missionaries, explorers, colonial anthropologists and later historians. Ukara: Ritual Cloth of the Ekpe Secret Society - YouTube Cross River Cultural Heritage: reports from home and from the African Enyi laja na lasha b nyeere ha aka idi nsogbu nd baara ha. In modern-day Efik society, nyny is worn on various occasions such as weddings and traditional events. . Imbued with transcendental aura, ukara conveys the sacrality and prestige of the Ekpe secret society. 2017). 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. The society combines a kind of freemasonry with political and law enforcing aims. Living in what is now Southeast Nigeria and Southwest Cameroon, the people were physically divided by British and German colonial holdings in Africa. [77] Women wore a number of brass rings on their legs and arms. Here are 8 prominent cults and secret societies in Africa They are well respected agents of wealth distribution in the community. [43] Stephen D. Behrendt and Eric J. Graham revealed in a 2003 publication that by the time the first documented European sailing vessel arrived in 1625, the Efik had already settled at Creek Town and Old Town. of Old Calabar by the Ekpe secret society, which was controlled by the towns merchant houses. The destruction of Obutong occurred in 1854. Ema Atai Ema Atai, Edidem, Biop sai." (Multiple Deaths at Ndodoghi creek, Ema Atai Ema Atai, Priest-king, lost his sight in death). On behalf of Ekpe-USA Leadership, I hereby remind every member of Ngbe who has taken the aoth that our fathers and great grand fathers took to uphold those sacred traditions and beliefs, to immediately start preparations to do what they must do to send our brother to join our ancestors. Several periods have been estimated by foreign scholars and indigenous historians. quickly adapted to fulfil other economic and civil functions. 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. Aye provides the following names among these priest-kings including Ema Atai Iboku, Ekpe Atai Iboku, Ukpong Atai Iboku. In Cuba, the Ekoi are always evoked as early founders of the Abaku society,18 and their spirits are worshiped. 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". Sunjata's half-brother, Dankaran Touman, enrages Sunjata and nearly causes civil war by: murdering an innocent young man, thinking he is Sunjata.