This last week was extraordinary when we took an excursion to the state of Calabar to join the people of Ibibio in their annual masquerade festival.
It is called Ekpe festival(Ghost or Masquerade festival). It usually take place around may 7-12 of every year.
The day was extravagant with colors and laughter and feasting. The food was free for all visiting and it was special menu matching the festive(only for the festival). Although, I did taste the delicious meal of which I can't even recall the name of the food but I couldn't eat much for the sake of my weight.
From what we heard, Ekpe was from the ibibio word Ekpa(leopard) and it an all male well organized cult in the land, symbolised by masquerade. It has standard of earning youth of the land respect and allowing them a moment to woo any female of their choice, awkward right? I know. According, to some tales about Ekpe Festival an initiate of the cult after providing the needed materials and fees, would sit on Itiat Ekpe a sacred stone of the cult and is covered with peacock feathers. Then he will be taught a secret writing pattern called Nsibidi Ekpe (secret writing and coded communication of Ekpe).
On outing Day(the day of the festival), the spirit of Ekpe ancestors would be invoked to posses the initiate, after being masked. He wears *Esik(a colourful raffia suit like the ones seen in the pictures above), which covers his head and face, extending to the wrist and ankles. A white, yellow and red bands his circled round his waste with a long bell which rings in rhythm as he goes.
But it one the gracious ceremony have ever attended. In fact I was too carried away by merriment that I didn't take much pictures. I felt bad about it, but the point of going was enjoying myself and it was memorable for, is a that matter.
On law enforcement, Ibibio was orderly. Epke in the past having serve as police and jurist, knew no family or friend when on duty. More significantly to cult was that favoritism or curruption was never associated with the cult. It settled disputes collected debts for creditors and levy for the then government. It symbol of equity, justice and good governance for the Ekpe was wisdom and good conduct.
interestingly, it was believed that Ekpe helped the missionaries during the colonial era.
well, whichever way the story went it was a great experience and opportunity to broaden my mind and dabble into other cultures apart from mine. The most astonishing thing for me in the ceremony was the marriage of colours that day, it was so beautiful, matching but not extravagant for them line of colour come together to bring out the true nature of the festival, therefore there was organisation even in their colour riot. so fucking fascinating!!!
We came back last week but the Ceremony was very magnificient and fulfilling that some of my mates are already planning their return next year, am amazed their will to return so early.
It was memorable day thanks to the states of calabar for great memories and awesomeness!