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94-738: The Ibom or Mbot Abasi Kingdom was a kingdom by the Ibibio people with its seat of government in Obot Okon Ita . The Mbot Abasi kingdom was located in present day Arochukwu , Abia State in Nigeria . Around 1630, a group of Igbo from Abiriba known as the Eze Agwu arrived in Ibom. This caused long term conflict and a stalemate known as the Aro-Ibibio Wars . Before Igbo arrival in

188-715: A British protectorate, Miss Slessor acted as a female magistrate and skilful diplomatic ambassador. For her efforts in Okoyong, she was given the Efik name Obongawan Okoyong (Queen of Okoyong). She was also instrumental in the establishment of the Hope Waddell Training Institute in Calabar, which provided vocational training for Efiks. Miss Slessor is widely regarded as a heroine in Nigerian history, and

282-553: A convenient way, but are not a new form of expression. Substances such as the atido were used for eyelid decoration long before modern eye shadow. As in many other cultures around the world, Ibibio women generally put heavy emphasis on the eye when it comes to make-up. Hair styles are another way for the Ibibio to symbolically mark certain occasions. Styles of hair in Ibibioland include both elaborate braiding with and without

376-633: A mission station in Calabar. Among the missionaries, Hope Waddell, who worked in Calabar from 1845 to 1858, and Mary Slessor , who evangelized Christianity in Calabar from 1876 to 1915, worked to improve treatment by and among the native peoples. They influenced many Efik people to convert to Christianity . They tried to change or abolish the following traditional practices: They founded a school to provide secondary education to Africans. They also worked to protect water supplies and limit mosquitoes to contain yellow fever epidemics. Waddell and Slessor are still honoured in Calabar today; streets and squares in

470-544: A newspaper owner and grandson of Samuel Ajayi Crowther , in 1923 founded the first Nigerian political party, the Nigeria National Democratic Party . It remained the strongest party in the elections until 1939. In 1926, Governor Graeme Thomson attempted to introduce a poll tax in southeast Nigeria, including Calabar. It would reduce the number of Africans eligible to vote in elections. The people reacted with strong protests, which Nigerians call

564-638: A part of the Eastern Nigeria of Nigeria under British colonial rule. During the Nigerian Civil War , the Eastern region was split into three states. The then-Southeastern State of Nigeria was where the Ibibio were located, it was created from the original twelve states of Nigeria after Nigerian independence. The "Southeastern State" was later renamed Cross River State . On 23 September 1987, by Military Decree No.24, Akwa Ibom State

658-446: A red substance. People's palms, feet, legs, and faces are decorated with the pigment. The Ibibio use it partially for its bleaching effect. After continuous usage, it produces a smooth and light skin complexion. Modern versions of face and body decoration such as eye shadow, lipstick, and eyeliner are used by contemporary Ibibio people. Body decoration has a long history in the Ibibio and these products help their cultural expression in

752-582: A subgroup of the Ekoi people (the Ejagham). This was premised on the fact that among the Ibibio people, Usak Edet is popularly known as Edit Afaha (Afaha's Creek) which reflects the fact that Ibibio people originated from Usak Edet. After the first bulk of the people arrived in what later became Nigeria, they settled first at Ibom. It is believed that the Ibibio were the aboriginal people of Ibom settlement, founded by their forefathers, Ibom , after whom they named

846-475: A thoroughgoing mechanism for self-rule, maintenance of law and order, and effective political organization : Using some elements of culture and socio-religious organizations such as Ekpo , Ebre, Ibaan Isong, Ekong, Ikpa—udoh and many others to enforce law and order and to put the masses of the population under control. The Ibibio people are found predominantly in Akwa Ibom State and are related to

940-499: Is a general understanding of their opposing relationship. Feminine masks are decorated with light colors such as white. Their features are delicate to emphasize their femininity. On the other hand, masculine masks use dark colors to represent the mystic forces of the forest. These masks often have large features and are created to be intentionally ugly. They achieve this by distorting the features in unnatural manners such as having bulging eyes or misplaced mouths. Many deformities present in

1034-425: Is a multi-purpose facility. The harbour consists of 2 terminals, A and B, and 2 smaller berths in the "Old Harbour" area. It has a channel draught of 7.5 metres. The terminals are operated by private operators under concession agreements. Terminal B, which occupies 80% of the harbour area, is operated under a concession by ECM Terminals Ltd; Intels LTD and Addak are the other terminal operators. Calabar sees itself as

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1128-544: Is a town in Nigeria known for its marketplace in which crafts are sold to both tourists and middle-class Nigerians. While the Ibibio are not known for metalworking , there is a significant number of craftspeople making this type of art to be sold. Most metalwork objects produced have a practical purpose rather than a decorative one. Despite this, Ibibio coffins tend to be highly decorative. They feature ornamental painted metal motifs, colorful plastic sheets, and glass panels on

1222-573: Is also home to a chimpanzee nursery - the project's youngest chimpanzees live here, where they receive round-the-clock care and supervision before moving to Afi Ranch at the age of 6-8 years. Not far from Calabar, you can visit the Kwa Waterfalls (approx. 15 km away), Ibeno Beach (30 km away) and the Cross River National Park . These three attractions are the most popular in Calabar on tourism websites. The Kwa Falls

1316-404: Is called Ukpong Ikot, or bush-soul. The shadow is not thought to be connected with the ethereal body but to be an emanation of the soul and therefore to be directly affected by any action on it. The majority of the Ibibio believe that a person's soul can be invoked into his shadow, which is made to appear in a basin of water. The shadow is then speared, his blood is seen in the water in the basin and

1410-581: Is of no coincidence that their ancient Kingdom was originally known as Akwa Akpa . The words Akwa, Aqua, Kwa, Qua are common names for places, rivers, in both Akwa Ibom State and in Cross River State. Today, one of the towns in Arochukwu , Abia state is called Ibom . Ibom is also where the famous Ibini Ukpabi oracle is located. Ibibio people The Annang , Ekid, Oron and Ibeno share personal names, culture, and traditions with

1504-420: Is one of the monuments dedicated to her memory. Originally, the house was a mud house with two bedrooms, a verandah, a shop and a parlour. She referred to it as a "trailer", but the locals called it a "good pass all". In 1889, Mr Owens, a carpenter at the mission, was hired to build a more permanent structure for her. The walls were made of iron plates with wooden doors and windows. When Southern Nigeria became

1598-408: Is open to all Ibibio males, but one must have access to wealth to move into the politically influential grades. The main purpose of Ekpo is to protect its people and act as a defense against potential attackers. They are concerned with issues and emergencies that pertain to the safety of the town as a whole. In addition, it serves as an outlet for men to productively use energy to benefit everyone. In

1692-756: Is referred to as Ikono Ibom Uyo, a clan carved out of the main Ikono Ibom. Iman Ibom moved to Ekom Iman, now in Etinan Local Government Area and Nsit Ibom moved to Afia Nsit now in Nsit Ibom . The three regards themselves as blood brothers and children of Ibom . The three children of Ibom upon their final settlement, Etefia who is the principal actor in Ikono Ibom Uyo clan, settled in Ikot Oku Ikono and founded

1786-567: Is the capital city of Cross River State , Nigeria . It was originally named Akwa Akpa , in the Efik language , as the Efik people dominate this area. The city is adjacent to the Calabar and Great Kwa rivers, and the creeks of the Cross River (from its inland delta). Calabar was once described as the tourism capital of Nigeria, especially due to several initiatives implemented during

1880-574: Is well versed in Greek. The masks and accoutrements of the Ekpo society make up the greatest works of art in Ibibio society. Ibibio often purposefully play with proportions in their masks to distort the face. A component that appears often in Ibibio masks is an articulated lower jaw. Ibibio people have an overarching theme of contrasting male and female masks by using dark and light colors respectively. These masks are not always performed together, but there

1974-631: The Ikpaisong . The Obong Ikpaisong ruled with the Mbong Ekpuk ('head of the families'), which together with the heads of the cults and societies constitute the Afe, Asan, or Esop Ikpaisong ('traditional council, shrine, or court'). The decisions of the Obong Ikpaisong were enforced by members of the Ekpo or Obon society who act as messengers of the spirits and the military and police of

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2068-564: The Annang community, the Ibibio community and the Eket , although other groups usually understand the Ibibio language . Because of the larger population of the Ibibio people, they hold political control over Akwa Ibom State, but the government is shared with the Annangs, Eket and Oron. The political system follows the traditional method of consensus . Even though elections are held, practically,

2162-737: The Green Sahara . The gradual movement of the Proto Ibibio to the Cross River Region may have been associated with the expansion of Sahel agriculture in the African Neolithic period, following the desiccation of the Sahara in c. 3500 BCE . The Ibibio people are reputed to be one of the earliest inhabitants of southern Nigeria . It is estimated that they arrived at their present home around 1000 B.C. In spite of

2256-706: The Niger Delta until 1906 when the seat of government was moved to Lagos . Calabar developed earlier, albeit less vigorously than Lagos , with which it is sometimes compared because of some parallels. Calabar has the following achievements: From 1914 until the 1960s, a mail steamer of the Liverpool Elder-Dempster Line called at Calabar every month. In addition to letters and parcels, it also delivered newspapers, and cargo and carried up to 100 passengers to Lagos , Port Harcourt and Calabar. In 1922, British governor Clifford established

2350-551: The "Women's War", for many of its leaders, and the British termed the "Aba Riots". These riots spread from the neighbouring town of Aba to Calabar. Several administrative buildings were destroyed and more than 50 women died at the hands of colonial forces. After independence in 1960, tensions increased between the North and South areas of the country, which were strongly affiliated with Muslims and Christians, respectively. In addition,

2444-563: The "tourism capital of Nigeria". This is supported by the state government. One of the five main themes of the museum is the Esuk Mba slave market in Akpabuyo. The slave trade in Calabar was based on slave raiding and trading, which mainly took place in the hinterland, where the enslaved were mostly prisoners of war. The prisoners of war were collected at this market and sold as slaves to slave traders. Another exhibition shows objects from

2538-557: The 15th century reached this part of the Guinea coast, they called the tribes of the area "Calabar". These historic inhabitants were Efiks, Ibibios and Quas . The Efik people migrated from the area of the Niger River to the shores of the Calabar. They were fleeing civil war with their kindred and the Ibibio people . Since the 16th century, Calabar has served as an international seaport , exporting such goods as palm oil . During

2632-421: The 1940s would be killed by members of the Ekpo. It is known as a secret society despite the fact that the purpose and activities are widely known by the village. This is due to the fact that everyone must abide by certain laws during Ekpo season. The most important secrets are a series of code words and dance steps taught to initiates and used by members. Knowing these secrets allows members to travel freely during

2726-613: The Abolition of the Slave Trade of 25 March 1807 finally stipulated that the slave trade should be abolished by law from 1 May 1807. The Daily Trust Nigeria reported the museum's decline. However, the negative report could be due to the COVID wave that was rampant at the time. The National Museum of Calabar was flat packed, shipped from Britain and built-in 1884 (it is sometimes incorrectly stated to have been built in 1959). It

2820-619: The Aro territory, a group of proto Ibibio migrated to the area and established the Ibom Kingdom during the Bantu expansion . This proto Ibibio group originally came from Usak Edet ( Isanguele ), a segment of the Ejagham in present-day Southern Cameroon . Ibom is an old word used by the Efik / Ibibio / Annang / Eket people of Nigeria meaning the ancient universe, the cradle earth, or

2914-538: The British blockade of Africa , sailed into Duke Town , where she captured seven Spanish and Portuguese slave ships . John Jea , an enslaved African American , came from the area. He later became a writer. A small mulatto community of merchants was located here that had links to missionary and other merchant colonies in Igboland, Lagos , and across the Atlantic. In 1846, Scottish Presbyterians established

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3008-399: The Calabar cement factory. Later that day, the Nigerian 33rd Battalion landed on the beach at Calabar. The Biafran resistance was overwhelmed. After Nigerian troops advanced into Calabar from three different positions, bloody hand-to-hand fighting ensued. After suffering heavy losses, the remaining mercenaries retreated northward and fled Biafra. After three years, the country reunited under

3102-460: The Ekpo society. This process is commonly used among women. It is often done after the birth of a child. The stains that are left afterwards can stay on the skin for up to three months. Professionals are typically the ones who paint others, and the process may take from five to eight hours to complete. Iduot is another form of body painting which symbolizes fertility. The pigment is taken from crushed camwood and then added to water which produces

3196-763: The God of the Heaven (Abasi Enyong) and the God of the Earth (Abasi Isong) through various invisible or spiritual entities (me Ndem) of the various Ibibio Division such as Atakpo Ndem Uruan Inyang, Etefia Ikono, Awa Itam, etc. The Priests of these Deities (me Ndem) were the Temple Chief Priests/Priestesses of the various Ibibio Divisions. A particular Ibibio Division could consist of many interrelated autonomous communities or kingdoms ruled by an autonomous Priest-King called Obong-Ikpaisong, assisted by heads of

3290-461: The Ibibio, and speak closely related varieties (dialects) of Ibibio which are more or less mutually intelligible . The Ekpo and societies are a significant part of the Ibibio political system . They use a variety of masks to execute social control . Body art plays a major role in Ibibio art. The predominant paternal haplogroup among the Ibibio is E1b1a1-M2 . The ancestors of the Ibibio originally came from Northeast Africa and moved around

3384-609: The Ibom. Following the Aro-Igbo-Ibibio war of 1550 A.D, the Ibibio's moved southward and found a virgin and empty land, their present place. The Ibibio first settled in Ikono from where they migrated or dispersed to further places becoming the aboriginal people of the present Ibibio lands. It is at this juncture that Ikono Ibom moved to Ikot Oku Ikono village now in the Uyo Local Government Area, which

3478-520: The Ikono Anyaan and Ikot Ekpeyak Ikono are stock and children of Ikono Ibom, they have shared and similar social, traditional and cultural Milieu. By Ekom Iman is a place which Iman Ibom settled and planted the Ekom tree (coula edulis) from which the name of the settlement is derived, Ekom (coula edulis) planted by Iman one of the sons of Ibom. Iman had children and some of them migrated to expand

3572-500: The Iman Ibom clan such villages like Ikot Obioinyang, Afagha Effiate and the entire Iman Ibom clan. Upon the death of Iman Ibom, his spirit metamorphose into the Iman Ibom clan deity “The Itina Iman deity” and oyot is the clan deity – totem hence it is a taboo to kill or eat such mythical beast and Ebre is the totem of Ikono Ibom clan, they forbid the killing or maiming of this mythical animal. Nsit Ibom moved to Afia Nsit where there

3666-595: The Legislative Council. The four elected members were from Lagos (3) and Calabar (1). The Legislative Council enacted laws for the colony and the protectorate of Southern Nigeria. It also approved the annual budget for the entire country. The four elected members were the first Africans to be elected to a parliamentary body in British West Africa. The Clifford Constitution led to the formation of political parties in Nigeria. Herbert Macaulay ,

3760-575: The Mary Slessor House stands as a historical site in honour of the missionary in Ekenge, Calabar, Cross River State. Millennium Park in Calabar is an amusement park that serves as a famous symbol of the city, offering various recreational activities for children and adults. Millennium Park, with its pretty and attractive garden and arcades, is a major destination for first-time visitors. Tastefully decorated to artfully showcase and embellish

3854-536: The Mbia Idiong told him what the things were and he had offered them as sacrifices to Mother Earth, the Ibibio believed the situation would be reversed; otherwise, he would remain childless. The Ibibio were introduced to Christianity through the work of early missionaries in the nineteenth century. Samuel Bill started his work at Ibeno. He established the Qua Iboe Church which later spread places in

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3948-522: The Nigerian 3rd Naval Division under the command of Colonel Benjamin Adekunle. At this time, Calabar was being defended by the 9th Battalion of Biafrans under the command of Major Ogbo Oji. On 17 October, the Biafran defences on the beaches of Calabar came under heavy air and naval fire. Less than 24 hours later, the Nigerian 8th Battalion under the command of Major Ochefu went ashore at Lokoja and captured

4042-549: The Nigerian central government. Today's economy of the megacity of Calabar is dominated by: The state government of Cross River is trying to stimulate tourism in Calabar. The initiation of the Calabar Carnival in 2004 by the then Governor Donald Duke is probably the most successful measure to advance tourism in Calabar. Margaret Ekpo International Airport was inaugurated in 1983 by then-President Shagari. Lufthansa , British Airways and KLM/Air France fly to

4136-769: The Office concern. In reference to the Obong-Ikpaisong, the word 'Obong' means 'King'. In reference to the Village Head, the word means 'Chief'. In reference to the Head of the Families (Obong Ekpuk), the word means 'Head' In reference to God, the word means 'Lord'. In reference to the Head of the various societies - e.g. 'Obong Obon', the word means 'Head or Leader'. Scattered throughout each village were sacred lands, akai (forest). They were called akai because no one

4230-538: The Port of Calabar are operated by "world-class terminal operators, namely: ECM Terminal Ltd, INTELS Nigeria Ltd and Shoreline Logistics Nigeria Limited", according to the port operating company NPA. The port of Calabar's profile in the oil and gas industry is fast gaining traction as the business is to capitalise on import and export opportunities by providing an efficient port service system that guarantees fast turnaround time of vessels and faster cargo clearance. Calabar

4324-590: The South had a concentration of educated people who were politically powerful and had a history of trade and interaction with other communities. The Southeastern area decided to become independent and declared itself as the Republic of Biafra in 1967. It included Calabar. In October 1967, an armada of the Nigerian Navy left the harbour of Bonny on a naval campaign en route to Calabar. The ships carried troops of

4418-656: The Supreme Being (Abasi Ibom) by the Constitutional and Religious King/Head of a particular Ibibio Community who was known from the ancient times as the Obong-Ikpaisong (the word 'Obong Ikpaisong' directly interpreted means King of the Principalities of the Earth' or 'King of the Earth and the Principalities' or Traditional Ruler ). The second dimension of Ibibio Religion centered on the worship, consultation, invocation, sacrifice, appeasement, etc. of

4512-552: The administration of Donald Duke as the Governor of Cross River State (1999–2007). The city became the cleanest and most environmentally friendly city in Nigeria. Administratively, the city is divided into Calabar Municipal and Calabar South Local Government Areas . It has an area of 406 square kilometres (157 sq mi) and, as of the 2006 census, a population of 371,022. Both LGAs together had an estimated population of 571,500 in 2022. When Portuguese explorers in

4606-659: The airport from Calabar with a stopover in Lagos or Abuja (the last leg of the flight is operated by the regional airlines Air Peace , Ibom Air and Aero Contractors ). The Calabar Port Complex consists of the Old Port, the New Port and the Dockyard and is responsible for the petroleum terminals at Antan, Odudu, Yoho and QuaIboe as well as other jetties at NIWA, McIver, NNPC, ALSCON, Dozzy and Northwest. The three terminals at

4700-439: The animals which abounded in the forests. The explanation is simple. If non-members were allowed to enter any secret society akai they might in due course discover the secrets of their time-honoured society, and wicked people might even desecrate the graves of their ancestors hence the ban. Like many Ibibio words, Ukpong ('soul') has four meanings. First, ethereal body, secondly, soul, thirdly, spirit, and fourthly, over-soul;

4794-399: The capital of Akwa Ibom. Published by the 200-year-old, American based International Bible Society (Biblica), the publishers of the NIV Version. The Ibibio Bible was translated by Ibibio professors, including Professors Margaret Mary Okon, Bassey Okon, Eno-Abasi Urua, Inimbom Akpan, Udo Etuk, as well as Dr. Paulinus Noah, Dr. Effiong Ekpenyong and Rev. Fr. Dr. Donatus Udoette, a theologian who

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4888-405: The centuries of the Atlantic slave trade , it became a major port for shipment of African slaves to the Americas. The Spanish named it Calabar. Tribes around that region were taken in as slaves for slave trades. Such tribes included the Igbo tribes (communities) who lived around that region at the time. Those minority tribes were subject to slave raids by more powerful tribes or ethnic groups in

4982-428: The city were named for them. On 10 September 1884, Queen Victoria signed a treaty of protection with the king and chiefs of Akwa Akpa, known to Europeans as Old Calabar—then the official title to distinguish it from New Calabar to the east. This enabled the United Kingdom to exercise control over the entire territory around Calabar, including Bakassi . Calabar was the headquarter of the European administration in

5076-422: The community. The chief will send masked individuals to confront a rule-breaker if the need arises. Ekpo members Ekpo Masquerades are always masked when performing their policing duties. Although their identities are almost always known, fear of retribution from the ancestors prevents most people from accusing those members who overstep their social boundaries, effectively committing police brutality. Membership

5170-429: The cradle, original or ancient community from which others sprang forth. The word Ibom symbolizes the ancestral, the origin, the cradle, the source and the ancient community or place or area from which other communities or people sprang forth or originated. The Efik were originally from the Ibom Kingdom and might have left before or during the Aro-Ibibio Wars. Akwa Ibom State is one of the present two states created from

5264-405: The dead are transported there. The land of the dead, like that of the living, is believed to be divided into various countries, towns, villages and lineages where different communities of people live as on earth. At death every man goes to the particular part inhabited by his people. The Ibibio believe in obot , that is, the individual creation of persons by God. If someone is wild, they say he

5358-405: The first group back into the wild. The Drill Ranch is also home to 28 orphaned chimpanzees. As the closest relatives of humans, chimpanzees contribute greatly to the education of visitors by arousing interest and sympathy for the animal world. The project has two locations. The original site in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, is where it all began. Today, the "Drill Ranch Calabar" serves as

5452-409: The forehead, wrists, and ankles as a way to mark mediation. When worn by a diviner , it may mark a connection with himself and the gods as well as his people. Members of a ritual may wear it to symbolize peace, humility, as well as acceptance. Odung is a type of body painting that is used for events such as marriage, childbirth, coming-of-age, and death. It may also be used to show a man's status in

5546-409: The formation of Akwa Ibom settlements in their present location. The most accepted version of Ibibio history described that the Cameroon will offer a more concise explanation of their origin. This was corroborated by oral testimonies by field workers who say that the core Ibibio people were of the Afaha lineage whose original home was Usak Edet in the Cameroons . The Uşak Edet ( Isanguele ) are

5640-503: The furnishings used by Europeans during the slave trade and colonial period. You can also see the constitutions in their original documents, which are kept in a large library. Calabar's most impressive monument is located in the park of the National Museum. It depicts two chained hands. Mary Mitchell Slessor was a Scottish missionary sent to Nigeria by the United Presbyterian Church in the 19th century. Mary Slessor's House , built around 1880 in Akpap Village, Calabar, Cross River State,

5734-477: The goal is to emphasize rather than obscure the wearer's face or other parts of the body. The symbol of the dot plays a key role in the understanding of beauty. Okon Umetuk in his article "Body Art in Ibibio Culture", states that; A 'dot' is regarded as the only perfect mark to indicate and summarize beauty in Ibibio culture. Evidence of this is found in the abundance of dots that appear on the faces and bodies of decorated individuals. An 'X' symbol may be applied to

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5828-456: The historical account, it is not clear when the Ibibio arrived at the state. According to some scholars, they might have come from the central Benue valley, particularly, the Jukun influence in the old Calabar at some historical time period. Another pointer is the widespread use of the manila , a popular currency used by the Jukuns. Coupled with this, is the Jukun southern drive to the coast which appears to have been recently compared with

5922-417: The last always lives in the house of Abasi Ibom and it is quite separate from the individuality which between incarnations stays in the country of the dead. Though over-soul and spirit are combined, much of the Spirit is contained in that portion of the ego which is incarnated. According to Talbot, it is the soul proper that spends part of its time as a were-animal or in a bush-beast in the forest or water and

6016-696: The leadership of the Northern Region of Nigeria was able to keep the "Northwestern section" during the plebiscite that is now today's Nigerian Adamawa and Taraba States . Ibibio people are found in all Nigerian states and is one of the Nigerian ethnic group living outside of Nigeria after Yoruba and Igbo. Hence, significant number of Ibibio people reside in Europe and North America as well as other countries. In addition to their state of origin, Akwa Ibom State , significant number of Ibibio are found in: Traditionally Ibibio society consists of communities that are made up of large families with blood affinity each ruled by their constitutional and religious head, known as

6110-466: The man dies. The Ibibio believe that after death the same kind of existence is led as during life on earth; for example, farmers, blacksmiths, hunters, and fishermen will continue with their former occupations while social intercourse and amusements will also proceed as before. The scenery, houses, crops and animals of the next world have the same appearance as in this world but only those beasts, plants and foodstuffs which have been sacrificed in honour of

6204-508: The mask is secured to the wearer's head with a rope, and a horizontal piece of wood may be inserted into the mask in order to bite into. In addition to the raffia on the mask itself, performers also wear a knee-length raffia skirt. The lower legs, arms, and hands are painted with charcoal. New raffia is added to the mask each season, and is displayed in the off-season in a family or village shrine. The Ibibio are known for their woodcarvings , raffia -weavings, and pottery making. Ikot Ekpene

6298-415: The masks come from naturally occurring human diseases and illnesses. One that is often depicted is gangosa , a part of yaws . Signs of baldness and walking sticks also show up often in order to portray symbols of karma and old age. Men's costumes incorporate natural materials from the wilderness such as raffia , and seed pod rattles. Women's costumes use materials such as light colored cloth to represent

6392-407: The mid-19th century, slaves were also slaughtered by the hundreds upon the death of important chiefs, with the belief that they would serve the deceased chief in the afterlife. Ibibio religion (Inam) was of two dimensions, which centered on the pouring of libation , sacrifice, worship, consultation, communication and invocation of the God of Heaven (Abasi Enyong), God of the Earth (Abasi Isong) and

6486-399: The middle belt of Nigeria. Later, other churches were also introduced e.g. The Apostolic church. Independent churches such as Deeper Life Bible Church , came into the area in the second part of the twentieth century. Today Ibibio people are predominantly Christian. History was made on the 27th day of August 2020 that the first-ever Ibibio Bible translation was presented at Ibom Hall in Uyo,

6580-409: The months of June through December, the Ekpo society plays a large role in the community's life. Many activities such as farming, shopping, and obtaining food and water are prohibited on days in which the masks are out and being performed. Crimes also carry heavier consequences during this time period. While the punishments are lighter today, a person caught stealing during the days of the Ekpo season in

6674-430: The old Akwa Akpa kingdom, Cross River State being the sister state. The people of the Ibom Kingdom also called themselves Mbot Abasi (the people of God). Abasi is the supreme creator god of the Efik, Ibibio, and Annang people. Akwa also spelled Aqua, meaning The Great One or The Essential One is believed to be the ancestor of the people of Ibibio and Efik . Kwa or Qua therefore means Essential One or Great One. It

6768-769: The order of living in the village. The masks of the Ekpo societies were used to elicit fear and execute social control . The most common type of mask is one made for the face with waist-length raffia attached. The effect of the masks and their intimidating quality is part of what gives them their power, in addition to the long history of the Ekpo. To put on an Ekpo mask is to surrender earthly identity and assume an ancestral one. Masks used may be ones owned by deceased ancestors, ones made to look like ancestors, or ones made to resemble to village heroes. Many are carved from lightweight wood called ukot (palm wine tree). This makes them easier to wear and move around in. For additional support,

6862-479: The political leaders are pre-discussed in a manner that is benefiting to all. The Ibibio people are located in eastern part of South-South Nigeria. Prior to the existence of Nigeria as a nation, the Ibibio people were self-governed. Ibibio people and their brothers (the Annang, Oron and Eket) were part of the enclave called Bight of Biafra before the British creation of Eastern Nigeria. The Ibibio people became

6956-423: The project's headquarters, office, quarantine centre for new animals and veterinary practice, as well as accommodation for the managers and rotating volunteer staff. One of the project's 6 drill breeding groups is also located here so that anyone living in or visiting the state capital has the opportunity to see drills. This group now comprises 39 animals in 4 generations, including the first drill. Drill Ranch Calabar

7050-409: The region. From 1725 until 1750, roughly 17,000 enslaved Africans were sold from Calabar to European slave traders; from 1772 to 1775, the number soared to more than 62,000. Old Calabar (Duke Town) and Creek Town , 16 kilometres (10 mi) northeast, were crucial towns in the trade of slaves in that era. In 1807, Great Britain abolished the slave trade. In 1815 HMS  Comus , as part of

7144-514: The rich history and culture of Cross River, it provides an excellent backdrop for carefree moments. The Millennium Park is beautifully landscaped and managed and complements the beauty and tourism concept of Calabar town. Located within the Calabar Marina Resort, Tortuga Island is an area with three popular plantation-style bars. The colonial-inspired themed bars are set in beautiful landscaped gardens and offer panoramic views of

7238-483: The river. The famous Tortuga Island is a seating area within the resort. The operators rave about a cocktail at sunset and a delicious grilled meat dinner. You can "order from a well-stocked bar and enjoy expertly fried fish as well as some other delicacies." The Tinapa Resort seems to have fallen into disrepair during the Covid epidemic. Pictures on a travel website show broken windows and various pioneer plants around

7332-650: The season, and being caught traveling without knowing the secret terms and dance will result in being arrested. Prior to the gradual abolition of slavery in Nigeria by British colonial authorities beginning in the mid-1880s, Ibibio society ranked people, in descending order, as freeborn ( amanisong ), strangers or later immigrants ( ududung ), and slaves ( ifn ). Slaves were purchased in slave markets or captured through intergroup wars. Often people gave themselves or their children up as slaves when they could no longer provide for themselves or their families. Slaves were used as offerings in regular ritual human sacrifice, and through

7426-535: The ship, either sitting, standing or side by side. These positions were maintained until the ships reached their destination in the New World - a crossing that could take several months. Finally, another exhibition traces the efforts of abolitionists such as William Wilberforce, Thomas Clarkson and Granville Sharp, who saw the slave trade as morally reprehensible and a matter of natural rights. They therefore put forward twelve proposals for abolition. A British Act for

7520-475: The sides. Many people who carve Ekpo masks live in Ikot Ekpene. Both temporary and permanent body modifications are used. Rhythm and nature are both considerable motifs at play in the designs. Hairdressing, body painting, and body modification are the main focus of body art performed by the Ibibio. Intentional fattening of young women is another culturally important aspect of the Ibibio. In painting,

7614-477: The slave trade and the currency of the slave trade. The Calabar National Museum, designed and built by the colonisers in Glasgow, houses souvenirs from the slave trade. In 1959, the building became a national monument. The National Museum was once the home of a British governor. It is located in Calabar, Cross River State, and displays unique artefacts and historical heritage. On a tour of the museum, you can see

7708-482: The slave trade, including chains and shackles. The traders used these to prevent resistance while transporting as many people as possible over long distances. One exhibition shows the various means of payment used in the slave trade, from copper bars, manillas and Danish guns to brass bells, gongs, flutes and more. The arrangement of the slaves on a ship is artistically illustrated. The slaves were arranged in different positions depending on where they were accommodated on

7802-530: The use of thread. Some styles are symbolic of stories or events that have occurred in the wearer's life. If a married woman has unkempt hair, this indicates that someone she is close to, typically her husband, a child, or another relative, has died. Other styles may be indicative of age, marital status, or social standing. There also exists hairstyles without any meaning that are simply worn for fashion purposes. Calabar Calabar (also referred to as Callabar , Calabari , Calbari, Cali and Kalabar )

7896-477: The vacant building. The decay also affects the Calabar monorail located on the premises, which was once the first of its kind in Africa. The Drill Rehabilitation Centre nature reserve was founded in 1991 and is the first rehabilitation project for primates in the region. Drills orphaned by hunting are donated by local citizens or handed over after confiscation by the authorities; no animals are bought or taken from

7990-658: The various large families (Mbong Ekpuk) which make up the Community. These have been the ancient political and religious system of Ibibio people from time immemorial. Tradition, interpreted in Ibibio Language, is 'Ikpaisong'. Tradition (Ikpaisong) in Ibibio Custom embodies the Religious and Political System. The word 'Obong' in Ibibio language means 'Ruler, King, Lord, Chief, Head' and is applied depending on

8084-752: The village, Ibom . Now in Arochukwu, where they settled for a very long time and worshiped the God of the Sky called Abasi Ibom enyon . They also worshiped Ibini Ukpabi (Ibritam). As a result of clashes with the Igbo people who were moving southward, culminating in the Ibibio War which took place about 1630 and 1720 A.D., they left Ibom Kingdom and moved to the present day Ibibioland. Some village settlement had already been established in their current location alongside

8178-568: The wild. More than 75 drills have been rescued and reunited with conspecifics after a thorough medical examination. Drills have reproduced poorly in western zoos, but the DRBC has recorded over 250 births from rehabilitated wild-born parents and their offspring, making the project the world's most successful captive breeding programme for an endangered primate. Today, 286 drills live in 6 family groups, each in their own natural habitat in an electrified enclosure of up to 9 hectares. There are plans to release

8272-495: The worsening situation. If the instructions were strictly followed, the position could be reversed, they believed. For instance, if a person had no issue a diviner might tell him that he had killed innocent children in his previous incarnation, and that the parents of the deceased and the general public had cursed him, saying that he would not have any issue and would continue to kill innocent children throughout his incarnations unless he gave certain things as sacrificial offerings. When

8366-458: Was carved out of the then Cross Rivers State as a separate state. Cross Rivers State remains as a neighboring and mothering state of Akwa Ibom State. Southwestern Cameroon was a part of the present Cross River State and Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. During the then Eastern Region of Nigeria, parts were partitioned united with Cameroon in a 1961 plebiscite. This resulted in the Ibibio and Annang being divided between Nigeria and Cameroon. However,

8460-459: Was created that way; if he is kind, again that is how he was created by God to be; if he is poor or rich, that was his lot, and so on; effectively, there was nothing anyone could do to alter his lot, for he was moulded that way. The Ibibio also believe in the same way in destiny, essien emana or uwa . For instance, if a person died accidentally, this was how he had died in his previous incarnation and therefore he had to die that way. If he

8554-476: Was formerly the government building or the governor's residence during colonial rule, which was built in Britain and then shipped in parts to Calabar. The Calabar National Museum is made of old Scandinavian pine and has preserved centuries-old relics, especially documents, furnishings and artefacts from the colonial era. The museum houses the relics of the slave trade, including the names of the people who supported

8648-467: Was permitted to clear them for cultivation. All burial grounds, shrines for the village deities and spots for secret societies such as Ekpo Onyoho, Ekoong, Idiong, Ekong, were sacred. Everything in these places were equally sacred. Non-members of the secret societies were not permitted to enter the spots set aside for such secret societies, even for the collection of firewood, sticks, fruits (like mkpook), vegetables (like afang and odusa) or snails, or to hunt

8742-422: Was rich, he was so in his previous incarnation and must be so now; if he was brilliant, that was how he was destined to be, etc. He could, however, reverse the situation if he consulted the Mbia Idiong, who alone could tell him what to do. The diviners could help him pin-point what it was he had done in his previous incarnation which was affecting his present life. They could then prescribe to him what to do to remedy

8836-478: Was water and settled there, and his children spread to Mbak Nsit and other places of that clan. The Nsit Ibom totem is Iyak Anyan – the Anyan Nsit deity. They all have shared a similar characteristics of social, traditional as well as cultural Milieu and formed the center of this study. The brothers settled close to each other and formed pact and ally or an affinity with each other and had children and devised

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