Among these laws were the Abolition of twin-killings, abolition of the esere bean ordeal, abolition of human sacrifices and several other practices. [11] The bulk of the Enwang and Usukakpa are located in the present-day Akwa Ibom state. 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. Hope all is well. The Internet has shone light on manysecret societies, rendering them not so secret. expectations of the members to prioritize the group over their own families. [53] Aphrom was a corruption of Ephraim which was an anglicised form of the Efik name Efiom. This exhibition, on view from April 18 to August 2, was organized by the Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth College, and generously supported by the William B. Jaffe and Evelyn A. Members of the Ekpe society are said to act as messengers of the ancestors ( ikan ). During weddings, the bride wears at least two different nyny. authority as head of the Ekpe (Egbo), or Leopard, society. [34] When the Uruan woman realised that Abasi had broken her axe, she insisted that the axe should be repaired. The process of creating this richly symbolic cloth is laborious. In the culture we have discussed, the term nyama refers to: the power which exists in all things, which can be controlled only by special persons. Essentially the leopard is a sign of royalty all over Central West Africa and the Calabar zone, and it's a symbol of their political autonomy. He views the Cuban initiation system known as Abaku, which was based on kp society, as a collective way for African descendants to maintain their historical memory. Write the meaning in the blank. [68] The society is believed to have been introduced in Calabar from Usahadet. AHR ~ 125 It may not display this or other websites correctly. two young foreign men to whom she gives the power to defeat her. The Osirica is a black Egyptian masonic order that existed in ancient Egypt. [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). 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. Ikpa Ene was a virgin island on the banks of the Cross river. It described the religion, social, economic and political structures of the society as progressive and dynamic. Aye dates the arrival of the Efik in Creek Town to the fourteenth century. It is uncertain the specific year that the Efik arrived Creek Town. They are well respected agents of wealth distribution in the community.. It has a variety of different characters and is indigenous to areas of Southeastern Nigeria and . 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. I'm still struggling to understand her choice. [51] When the twins were older, they left for the opposite end of the island to Duke town. After the Efik had settled at Ikpa Ene, a party of men from Uruan arrived at Ikpa Ene. Archaeological evidence found that the group was extremely advanced in education for its time, and headed the construction of the Valley of the Kings. Ikpaya is now worn by an Obong-elect during the traditional coronation ceremony. [76] Uffp (native gin) is distilled from palm wine and is sometimes mixed with the bark of Edat to increase the alcoholic content. When the threads are cut, the nsibidi designs stand out, white against a deep blue background. 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. The society is now seen as a fraternity along the masonic lines which tries to represent the interest of Efiks. Today, it is no longer the same Ekpe society of decades ago. "[20] Ekpe is a mysterious spirit who is supposed to live in the jungle and to preside at the ceremonies of the society. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). 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. 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. Residents in Ekpe villages often go to the group to help them seek justice when theyve been wronged. [80] Ivory bracelets (Efik: Mme) were worn by wealthy women. Origin Nsibidi symbols which are indigenous to Igbo, Ibibio, Efik, Annang and Ekoi/Ejagham members of the Ekpe society. But, Ekpe in the course of the colonial period underwent a wide range of fundamental changes in their structure, roles, status . 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. Another account from the Qua claimed that Ekpe (Mgbe) migrated from Cameroon. The Efik are an ethnic group located primarily in southern Nigeria, and western Cameroon. http://Ekpesociety.blogspot.com; www.ekpe.org; http://Ekpesocietyusa.blogspot.com; http://ndiboyevengo.blogspot.com, 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, Ekpe Chief Maurice Enoh's funeral in Dallas on January 27th and 28th 2012, Maurice Enoh: The 1st Manyu Ekpe USA Sessekou to die in USA, Maurice Enoh returning from his crowning ceremony as Ekpe Chief in Kepelle Village, Ekpe-USA received at the Smithsonian Museum. Having associated broadly with foreigners in the pre-colonial era and . Among those who migrated with the Ngolo were various other nations who would later become part of the Oroko ethnic group. Among these missionaries were Rev. [40] Omissions? Aye provides the following names among these priest-kings including Ema Atai Iboku, Ekpe Atai Iboku, Ukpong Atai Iboku. 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. Originally, items such as onions (Oyim mbakara) was rare in Efik meals. One of the most important castes in this society is the jeli caste. Among these cuisines include Ekpang nkukwo, Edikang Ikong, Afia efere, Anyan Ekpang, Afang soup and several others. [32] Aye argues that the Efik could not have taken the royal emblem of the Uruan people as they would have already had their own royal emblem. The Efik people speak the Efik language, which is a BenueCongo language of the Cross River family. This is evident in a testimony by Isaac Parker, a ship-keeper who lived at Duke town in 1765 for 5 months. In the case of the latter, in the heat of the confusion, villagers would be kidnapped and sent to Calabar were they were sold. Colonial Anthropologist M.D.W. These drums are a regional phenomenon; they are not identified with any particular ethnic community, nor with any specific cultural group or initiation club. Efik traders played a major role during the era of the Transatlantic slave trade. Iboku, Enwang, Usukakpa and Abayen. [47], By the seventeenth century, more Efik settlements had been founded. Our newsletter gives you access to a curated selection of the most important stories daily. Lawino says that her husband's house is a "dark forest of _______________________". [34], On leaving the Uruan country, the Efik migrated to Ikpa Ene which is nicknamed Akani Obio Efik(English: Old Efik island). And there are definitely more than 10 Ekpe members still around today. The Ogboni is a fraternity indigenous to Nigeria, Benin and Togo. 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. "[29] Essien's criticism is supported by the fact that in some Efik trado-religious songs, Atakpor Uruan is greatly extolled. The Ekpe Society is a religious and cultural institution among the Efik people, it can also be found among the Annang and the Ibibios. The island is believed to be named after a fisherman from Mbiabo known as Ene Ankot. 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. [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. They give me thesum of $1,200,000 and many thing. Several types of English dresses were introduced to Efik women such as the Victorian dresses known in Efik as nyny. In this light, the Cameroon National Council of Traditional Rulers would be a welcomed . [46] On their exit from Obutong, they are believed to have sought the permission of Oku Atai to use the Ntinya. Nsibidi is a body of ideographic, abstract, and gestural signs deployed by the Ekpe society as a form of coded communication. Oge ruru ka laja nyefee lasha r ya ma gaa rwa r e nyere ya ebe z. In Cuba, the Ekoi are always evoked as early founders of the Abaku society,18 and their spirits are worshiped. Large amounts of pepper was also uncommon in Efik cuisines. The cloth is made of plain cotton but transformed into a ritual object when nsibidi symbols are inscribed onto it through indigo dyeing. 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]. The destruction of Obutong occurred in 1854. In such cases, the Ekpe Society is seen as the . The term igo has also been used for the organization's members. Click to expose navigation links on mobile. Bell of King Eyo Honesty II at Creek Town, Ekeng ita (also known as James Henshaw), Obong of Henshaw Town (c.a 1875). Laws were passed to halt several practices regarded as unchristian. . "[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. The group believes that when they eat human flesh, they gain the ability to transform into a crocodile. The Ekpo society uses black masks, often of naturalistic appearance and with movable jaws, to maintain social order and propitiate the ancestors; some of these masks represent disease and deformity. The history of the Efik is one of the most documented in subsaharan Africa. [40] The outcome of the fall of the tree led to several deaths in their clan. Here's a look inside. Eli Bentor, Professor of Art History at Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina, speaks about the history of ukara cloth and moderates a discussi. 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]. Thanks for signing up for our daily insight on the African economy. [59] Ekpe is first mentioned in the historical literature of Old Calabar in the 1770s. [72] Iwewe is also regarded as a sacrificial meal often prepared for the Efik deities. 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 . Ekpe Efik was used as a government instrument in Bakassi in exercising authority for more than 200 years ago (E.O.Efiong-Fuller, 1996). Hall Fund. 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. Resume: La communaure cubaine Abakua-descendantedes communautes :EB:k Ekpe et Ejagham ~gbedu Sud Est du Nigeria etdu Sud Ouest du Cameroun-a ete fondee ala Havane dans les annees 1830 par des leaders captures des villages de Cross River. [79] Ikpaya a royal type of gown also made from raffia. Historians and archaeologists have worked to piece together the human story from prehistory up to today. [36] I am a young researcher who have a great love for forest conservation, community . 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. 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. The three most popular theories include an Igbo origin, Ibibio origin and Palestinian origin. Welcome, Love, Peace and Unity in Nsibidi. The article was a not-so-deep exploration of indigenous African writing systems and languages. We thank you too much for what thing you come do for keep thing right. [42] K.K. Free masons were originally an ancient Egyptian fraternity of builders, with Imhotep, as their founder and chief sculptor. Names such as Okon became Hogan, Orok became Duke, Akabom became Cobham, Ene became Henry, Asibong became Archibong. Original African systems of recording information in symbols include the Nsibidi script, of the Ekpe society of the Ejagham of Cameroon and Nigeria. Abakua is an Afro-Cuban mens secret society related to the Ekpe. The Efik language also borrows words from other ethnic groups such as Balondo, Oron, Efut, Okoyong, Efiat and Ekoi (Qua). For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. [82] The name Itu ita translates to three manatees and is named because the masts of the ship resembled the manatee (Itu). History The Ekoi people, while all speaking the same language, have not tended to live in complete unison. Only males can join, boys being initiated about the age of puberty. [47] On the founding of Obutong, Colonial anthropologist M.D.W. Some of the oldest of these societies were Nyana Nyaku and Nsibidi. [9][38] The Adiabo group is believed to have left to their present location after the Mbiabo exodus. [65] Although the missionaries and rulers of Creek town and Duke town protested, their protests fell on deaf ears. of Bamum, of Cameroon in his kingly attire seated on the throne with his chiefs flanked round him (Plate 2). Members of the Ekpe society are said to act as 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 . [61] One of such letters written by King Eyamba V and the chiefs of Old Calabar states: Now we settle treaty for not sell slave, I must tell you something, I want your Queen to do for we. The area from which the Sunjata Epic comes was historically: the geographical location of the great medieval African kingdoms - Ghana, Mali, and Songhai. [32] At night when everyone had gone to sleep, the men from Uruan rose up and began to slaughter their hosts. GitHub export from English Wikipedia. [26][28] This theory was narrated at the Hart's enquiry by Etubom Ededem Ekpenyong Oku but has been criticised by Uruan writers such as Dominic Essien. Instead, each settlement had its own lodge of the . 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 exhibition explores the long- The Ekoi in Cameroon are found in the South Western region of the count. [33][34] Abasi is said to have borrowed an axe from an Uruan woman and had broken the axe. 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. [65] Cannons were shot at the town and every house was levelled to the ground. Each ukara is highly individualized and clearly produced to be worn by a specific Ekpe member or to mark a specific Ekpe lodge. Posted on March 01, 2015 The term "Calabar people" was particularly popular prior to the nineteenth century and was synonymous to the Efik.[6]. Living in what is now Southeast Nigeria and Southwest Cameroon, the people were physically divided by British and German colonial holdings in Africa. Aye in 2000 does not mention the Efut as being the primary occupants. 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. 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. ,sister Watz. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. A reconsideration of kp and Abaku suggests an agenda for the study of kp in diaspora from a different perspective. To be a member, one must be a part of Yoruba nobility. It was technically part of Nigeria, according to history, which was the reason we had the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC). During his research, Miller has identified many cultural links between Africa and the Americas, particularly between Cuba, Nigeria and Cameroon, which share a common heritage. The cloth is then dipped in indigo dye and hung to dry. Another theory which is narrated by Forde and Jones states that the name "Efik" translates to "Tyrants" or "He who oppresses" and was the name of which the Efik called themselves after they had settled at Creek town.[12]. [67] Communities within the Calabar metropolis such as Efut, Kiong and Qua also speak and understand the Efik language. [82] The Portuguese are said to have arrived in masted ships. 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. Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Calabar. [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. [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. Copyright Dr. Ivor L. Miller. And it's a symbol in both. Internal details about the membership and brotherhood demands of this ancient group is supposedly a top secret known only to the members. Many believe this groups village at present day Deir el-Medina was the original location where freemasonry began. [57] The diary of Antera Duke, an Efik, is the only surviving record from an African slave-trading house. Ekpe" which literally means Lion, is a traditional secret society originated from the Ekoi tribe in Cross River State. The Efik (Calabar) caste structure of Ekpe . 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. 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. The earliest accounts are narrated in the second half of the 19th century by Explorers and missionaries. [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. [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. Sunjata's victory against Sumaworo comes in part because: Sumaworo loses the support of his nephew, Fakoli. One account narrates that the Mbiabo group left first to their present location while the Iboku, Enwang and other clans were still at Ndodoghi. Social importance is attached to the highest ranks of Ekpe-men, called the Amama. society to its Caribbean incarnation, which has deeply influenced Cuba's creative energy and popular consciousness. 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. Prior to the arrival of the missionaries in 1846, many Efik traders were fluent in English and a number of African and European languages. [81] Nigeria and Cameroon (Lebialem and Manyu), Ekpe Society Resolutions from meeting held on September 16th 2011 in DC, Auto-Biography of Sisiku Emmanuel Ojong-Orock, Leader of Cameroonian Ekpe Lodge in Metropolitan DC. The cloth is traditionally used as either a wrapper, worn by high- ranking members of Ekpe group who often . Upon leaving the Cameroon territory, the Ibibio arrived at their present location following two major directions. It became a truly multi-group society, finding its' way to almost all groups in the region and gaining dominance in . 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. The earliest list of Efik traders is provided in Jean Barbot's manuscript which was later printed in 1732. Law and order in Efik society was maintained via a number of secret societies. kp lodges ruled local communities while also managing regional and long-distance trade. Eye of the Needle - Ken Follett 2015-07-07 The worldwide phenomenon from the bestselling author of The Pillars of the Earth, World 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. how to get a towing contract with geico university of west london ranking world university of west london ranking world 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 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). National Museum of African American History and Culture. [37] When the Efik realised what was going on, they rose to their feet and fought back. JavaScript is disabled. Body art plays a major role in Ibibio art. [37] When many of the Efik had left for Ndodoghi, a series of unfortunate events occurred. [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. Ekpe masquerade [1], Its members are only men and are played on special occasion. Oral tradition has it that the Efik arrived Uruan in four groups i.e. 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. 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. She or he is a random of nature, a result of mixed up and confused spiritual genetics. LEFT Ekpe cage during Ikot Ekpe ritual in 2009. The group is a mutual aid society known for elaborate street dances and very high. The Ekpe society is the most renowned traditional institution in Efik history. 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. 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]. Corrections? [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. Ekpe Society Emblem, Ejaham, Cameroon Dog Fetish, Vili, Congo Mlbuya (sickness) mask, Pende, Zaire Nimba Mask, Baga, Guinea Picasso Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, 1907 Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, 1907 (detail) Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, 1907 (detail) Bust of a Woman, 1931 Tte de taureau (Bull's Head), 1942 La chvre (The goat) 1950 Other references Another theory narrated by Chief Efiom Obo Effanga of Obutong asserts that Antia Ekot Otong founded Obutong. At least in the past, very large sums were paid to attain these upper levels. Hugh, Goldie. [41] Latham hypothesizes that the Efik may have arrived before the middle of the seventeenth century. Ekpe masquerade mimic the form of a lion or leopard moves.