Amazing things to know about the Efik tribe of Cross River State

News360 documents in this article, captivating facts about the Efik culture for your reading pleasure.

The Efik people, commonly known as the Calabar people are an ethnic group in Nigeria, primarily located in Cross River State, specifically in Calabar, Odukpani, Akpabuyo, and Bakassi Local Government Areas.

They speak the Efik language and share boundaries with the Republic of Cameroon, they are known for their hospitality and rich cultural heritage.

They have a unique history, culture, language, beliefs, traditions, food, dressing, occupation, and origin that distinguish them as a distinct group within Nigeria.

History

According to history, the Efiks migrated to Uruan after first settling at Ibom, which is now Arochukwu.

Before 1905, the Efik settlements of Duke Town, Creek Town, Old Town, Cobham Town, Henshaw Town, Adiabo, and Mbiabo (comprising of Mbiabo edere, Mbiabo Ikot Offiong, and Mbiabo Ikoneto) were referred to as Old Calabar. The majority of the Efiks reside in Calabar.

Their ancestors are thought to have migrated to the modern-day Cross River State centuries ago, according to this history.

The Efik people’s distinctive identity has been shaped by their coastal lifestyle and historical interactions with neighboring ethnic groups.

Language

The Efik language is a member of the Cross River subgroup of the Niger-Congo language family.

It has several dialects spoken by different communities within the Efik ethnic group.

Occupation

Historically, the Efik people were skilled traders and fishermen due to their proximity to the coast.

They were known for their maritime skills and were actively involved in trade with European merchants during the colonial era.

Today, many Efik individuals are engaged in various professions such as civil service, education, healthcare, business, and entrepreneurship.

The tourism industry in Calabar has also provided employment opportunities for many Efik people.

Beliefs and Traditions

The Efik people have a deep spiritual connection to their ancestral heritage and believe in a supreme being known as Abasi (God).

They also venerate ancestral spirits and practice various forms of traditional religion.

Christianity has gained significant followership among the Efik people, alongside traditional beliefs.

The Efiks also believe in water spirits or deities known as Ndem which are believed to mainly reside in the water.

Some traditional beliefs of the Efiks are making sacrifices to their deities for appeasement, pouring libations during ceremonies and festivals using palm wine(Mmin Efik).

Traditionally, Efik communities were organized into clans led by chiefs or traditional rulers who played essential roles in governance and conflict resolution.

Culture

Efik culture is rich and colorful, characterized by traditional dances, music, festivals, and art forms.

The Ekpe and Obón secret societies are well-known for their masquerades and rituals and play an important role in Efik culture.

Group of Ekpe masquerades

It is believed that the Ekpe masquerade was used to convert the early Efiks to Christianity.

The Efik people have a strong sense of community and kinship ties, with social gatherings and ceremonies playing an essential role in their cultural expressions.

Children of Efik maternal descent are still regarded as bonafide members of the family and have a quota of the family’s inheritance.

Festivals

The Efiks participate in festivals such as Ndok and Usukabia. Ndok is a biennial purification festival held in December to ward off evil spirits from the land.

Usukabia was a ceremony marking the first consumption of new yams of the year, held at the start of the harvest season.

These festivals are accompanied by music, dances (ekombi dance), and masquerade performances.

Another recent festival to promote Efik cultural heritage is the well-known Calabar festival, which takes place at the end of the year.

Cuisines

The Efiks are known for their hospitality and have many appetizing delicacies.

Efik cuisine is diverse and reflects their coastal location. Seafood, including fish, prawns, and crayfish, is a staple in their diet.

Other common ingredients include vegetables, palm oil, and spices.

Popular Efik dishes include Edikang-ikong (vegetable soup), Afia Efere (white soup), Atama soup, Ekpang nkukwo, Anyan Ekpang, Afang soup and several others.

The Efik produce a variety of beverages, including Mmịn Efik (Palm wine), Ufọfọp (Native gin), Lemongrass tea (Nnyannyaña), and Mmịn Eyop (Eyop wine).

These delicacies are served at festivals and ceremonies throughout the Efik land.

Dressing

The Efik people wear various types of dresses, such as Ọnyọnyọ. Over time, the Onyonyo dress has been modified and given a dignified African look.

Efik women wear Ọnyọnyọ on various occasions such as weddings and traditional events.

The dress is frequently paired with coral-bead necklaces and earrings.
During weddings, the bride wears at least two different Ọnyọnyọ.

Men’s traditional attire typically includes a white long-sleeved shirt, a costly handkerchief or scarf (Ọkpọmkpọm), and a wrapper tied around the waist (Usobo).

Marriage

Efik marriage ceremonies are rich in tradition and symbolism, often involving various stages and rituals that signify the union between the bride and groom.

While modern influences have brought changes to some aspects of Efik marriage customs, many traditional practices continue to be observed.

The process of marriage in Efik culture often begins with knocking of door (seeking the consent of the bride’s family), bride price negotiation, introduction and wedding ceremony.