The Efik people are an ethnic group indigenous to the southeastern region of Nigeria, particularly in Cross River State. According to Efik tradition, their ancestors originated from a place called Usak Edet, which is believed to be located near the Niger Delta.

The Efik people believe that their progenitor was a man named Efi, who had three sons: Efut, Efik and Eburutu. Efi, along with his sons and their families, migrated from Usak Edet and settled in a place called Abakpa, which is now known as Calabar.

Prior to the 16th century, the Efik people were organized into independent city-states, each with its own ruler or obong. These city-states were known for their trade in palm oil, ivory, and other goods with neighboring regions, including the Cameroon and Calabar regions.

In the 16th century, Portuguese explorers arrived in the area and established trade relations with the Efik people, leading to the introduction of European goods and influences. This contact also facilitated the spread of Christianity, with the establishment of the first mission in Calabar in the late 17th century.

The Efik people continued to thrive as traders, with Calabar becoming an important center of commerce and a hub for the trans-Atlantic slave trade. However, this trade had a devastating impact on the region, as many Efik people were captured and sold into slavery in the Americas.

During the 18th century, the Efik people were further impacted by the slave trade and the arrival of European powers, particularly the British. The Efik rulers established relationships with the British, who provided military support in exchange for access to the region’s resources.

In the late 18th century, the Efik rulers signed a treaty with the British, known as the Treaty of Friendship, which established a formal relationship between the two powers. This treaty helped to secure Efik autonomy and the region’s continued economic growth.

The Efik people have a rich culture and history, and are known for their traditional practices, including the Ekpe secret society, the Nsibidi writing system, and their famous festivals such as the New Yam Festival (Ekpe) and the Christmas Festival (Ikom).

the Efik people can be traced back to the ancient city of Calabar, which was a major center for trade and commerce during the pre-colonial era. The Efik people were involved in the transatlantic slave trade, and Calabar was one of the major ports where slaves were transported to the Americas.

During the colonial period, the Efik people were one of the first groups to embrace Western education and Christianity. This was due in part to the influence of European missionaries who came to Calabar in the early 19th century. The Efik people established schools and churches, and many of their children were sent to Europe for further education.

In 1884, Calabar became a British protectorate, and the Efik people were placed under British colonial rule. The colonial period brought significant changes to the Efik society, including the introduction of cash crops such as palm oil and cocoa. This led to the growth of a new class of wealthy merchants and traders, who became influential in the local politics.

Today, the Efik people are a thriving ethnic group, with a population of over one million people. They have made significant contributions to Nigerian culture and society, particularly in the areas of literature, music, and education.

Efik language

Efik is a language spoken by the Efik people, primarily in Cross River State, Nigeria and in the southwestern corner of Cameroon. It is also spoken by smaller communities in Equatorial Guinea and São Tomé and Príncipe.

Efik is a member of the Cross River branch of the Benue-Congo language family, which is part of the Niger-Congo language family. It has several dialects, including the Efik dialect proper, the Efut dialect, and the Qua dialect.

Efik has a rich history and culture, and it is known for its complex verbal system, which includes tone and aspect marking. It also has a distinctive phonology, with vowel harmony and nasalization of vowels.

Efik has been written in the Latin script since the arrival of Christian missionaries in the area in the late 19th century. Today, there are efforts to promote the use of Efik in schools and other public spaces, and there are a number of publications and resources available in the language.

Efik traditional attire

The traditional attire of the Efik people is known for its vibrancy and colorful nature, and is often worn during important cultural ceremonies and festivals.

The traditional attire for men consists of a shirt made of locally woven fabric called “etibor” or “akara”, which is usually adorned with intricate embroidery and patterns. The shirt is paired with a wrapper made of a similar fabric and is tied around the waist. Men also wear a cap known as “ekpu” or “efe”, which is made of the same fabric as the shirt and wrapper.

The traditional attire for women is called “etibo” and consists of a blouse with puffy sleeves and a long skirt, usually made of brightly colored fabrics such as silk or cotton. Women also wear a head-tie called “gele” or “uku”, which is made of the same fabric as the blouse and skirt.

Both men and women may also wear a piece of jewelry called “iborum”, which is made of beads and is worn around the neck or waist.

Overall, the traditional attire of the Efik people is rich in color and cultural significance, and serves as a symbol of their identity and heritage.

Efik mythology

Efik mythology is the body of myths, legends, and folklore of the Efik people of southeastern Nigeria and southwestern Cameroon. The Efik people are a sub-group of the larger ethnic group known as the Ibibio-Efik, and their mythology is closely related to that of the Ibibio people.

One of the most prominent figures in Efik mythology is Abasi, the creator god who is believed to have created the world and all living things. Abasi is often depicted as a benevolent and just deity, who rewards good behavior and punishes evil deeds.

Another important figure in Efik mythology is the goddess Idem, who is associated with fertility, agriculture, and the natural world. Idem is often depicted as a beautiful and powerful woman, who is capable of bringing life and abundance to the earth.

The Efik people also have a rich tradition of storytelling, with many myths and legends passed down through generations. Some of these stories focus on the exploits of heroes and heroines, while others explore themes such as love, death, and the afterlife.

One popular Efik legend is the story of Ekaete and Ekong, a young couple who are deeply in love but are separated by the jealousy of Ekong’s mother. The story follows their struggles to overcome this obstacle and be reunited, with the help of various supernatural beings.

Overall, Efik mythology reflects the culture and traditions of the Efik people, with a focus on themes such as creation, nature, and the supernatural.

Efik religion

Their traditional religion is a form of animism, in which they believe that all things have spirits and are interconnected.

The Efik traditional religion includes the worship of various deities, spirits, and ancestors. The most important deity in their religion is Abasi, the supreme god who is believed to have created the universe and all living things. Other deities worshipped by the Efik include Eka Abasi, the goddess of fertility, and Ebre, the god of the sea.

The Efik people also believe in the existence of ancestral spirits who are believed to have the power to intervene in the affairs of the living. They believe that the ancestors can bring blessings or misfortune depending on how they are appeased or offended.

In modern times, many Efik people have converted to Christianity, and as a result, traditional Efik religion has declined. However, some aspects of the traditional religion are still practiced alongside Christianity.

Efik literature

Efik literature refers to the body of written and oral works produced by the Efik people of southeastern Nigeria, particularly in Cross River State and Akwa Ibom State. The Efik language, also known as Efik-Ibibio, is a dialect of the Ibibio-Efik language group and is spoken by over 1.5 million people.

The oral tradition is an important aspect of Efik literature, and it includes proverbs, folktales, and legends that are passed down from generation to generation. These stories often serve to teach moral lessons and impart wisdom to younger members of the community.

In the 19th century, Efik literature began to take on a more formalized written form, with the publication of newspapers, books, and pamphlets. One of the earliest and most influential writers in Efik literature was the missionary Reverend Hope Waddell, who translated the Bible into Efik and wrote numerous articles on Efik language and culture.

Other notable Efik writers include Dr. Gabriel Imomotimi Okara, who is considered one of Nigeria’s foremost poets and novelists, and Professor E.J. Alagoa, who has written extensively on Efik history and culture. The Efik language and literature continue to thrive today, with efforts underway to preserve and promote these important aspects of Nigerian cultural heritage.

Efik kingdom

The Efik Kingdom, also known as the Efik people or the Calabar Kingdom, is a historic kingdom located in southeastern Nigeria, in what is now known as Cross River State. The Efik people have a rich cultural heritage and are known for their contributions to the arts, literature, and education in Nigeria.

The Efik Kingdom was established in the 17th century and was ruled by the Obong of Calabar, who was considered the supreme ruler of the kingdom. The kingdom was an important center of trade and commerce, and its people were known for their skills in fishing, farming, and craft making.

During the colonial period, the Efik Kingdom was one of the first areas to come under British influence, and it became an important center of European trade and commerce. The kingdom was also an important center of education, and many Efik people became prominent educators and scholars.

Today, the Efik people are still an important part of Nigerian culture and society. They continue to celebrate their traditional festivals and ceremonies, and their language and culture are still taught in schools in Nigeria.

Political organization

The Efik people have a unique political organization that centers around the Obong of Calabar, who is the traditional ruler of the Efik people. Here are the political organizations of the Efik people:

1. Obong of Calabar: The Obong of Calabar is the paramount ruler of the Efik people. He is regarded as the spiritual, traditional, and political leader of the Efik people. He is responsible for the protection and welfare of his people.
2. Nto: The Nto is the council of chiefs, which comprises the most senior members of the Efik society. The council advises the Obong of Calabar on political matters.
3. Ekpe Society: The Ekpe society is a secret society that plays an essential role in the traditional political organization of the Efik people. It is responsible for maintaining the social order and ensuring justice in the community.
4. Efe: The Efe is the traditional Efik system of governance that combines the elements of democracy and monarchy. It allows for the participation of the people in decision-making and provides checks and balances to the authority of the Obong of Calabar.
5. Qua Council: The Qua Council is a traditional council of elders in Efik land. It is responsible for resolving disputes between families and clans.

Social Organization

The Efik people are an ethnic group in southeastern Nigeria, mainly concentrated in the Cross River State. Their social organization can be described as follows:

1. Clan: The Efik people are organized into clans which are headed by a chief or “Obong”. The Obong is the traditional ruler of the clan and has significant power and influence in the community. Each clan is made up of several villages.
2. Village: The village is the basic unit of Efik social organization. Each village has a traditional head or “Village Head” who is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the village. The Village Head is responsible for settling disputes, organizing festivals and events, and ensuring that the customs and traditions of the community are upheld.
3. Age grades: Age grades are social groups within the community made up of people of similar age. They are responsible for maintaining social order and discipline. They also perform important social functions such as organizing festivals and events.
4. Secret Societies: The Efik people have several secret societies that are responsible for preserving their cultural heritage. These societies are exclusive and are only open to men who have been initiated. They are responsible for performing important traditional rites and rituals and are considered to be the custodians of the community’s traditions.
5. Marriage: Marriage is an important institution in Efik society. It is regarded as a union between two families rather than just two individuals. There are strict rules and customs governing marriage, and it is usually arranged by the families of the couple.

Economic Organization

The Efik people are an ethnic group native to the southeastern region of Nigeria, particularly in the Cross River State. The economic organization of the Efik people is largely centered around agriculture and trade.

1. Agriculture: The Efik people practice subsistence agriculture, which involves growing crops such as yams, cassava, maize, and vegetables for their own consumption. The fertile soil in the region makes agriculture a lucrative venture for the people. They also engage in commercial farming of cash crops such as palm oil and rubber. Fishing is also a major occupation, as the Cross River and its tributaries provide an abundance of fish.
2. Trade: The Efik people are known for their prowess in trade and commerce. They have a long history of trading with neighboring ethnic groups and Europeans, dating back to the pre-colonial era. The Efik people are well-known for their use of cowries as currency in trade transactions. The cowrie shells were obtained from the coastal areas of what is now known as Ghana and used as currency in exchange for goods and services.
3. Craftsmanship: The Efik people are skilled in various crafts such as pottery, weaving, and carving. These crafts were developed as a means of supplementing their agricultural and trading activities. They produce various items such as baskets, mats, pottery, and carvings, which are sold in local and regional markets.
4. Social organization: The Efik people have a strong social organization that fosters community development and cooperation. This social organization is evident in the formation of various societies, such as the Ekpe and Abakuá societies, which promote unity and cultural preservation.