"What if the culture you inherited demanded that you sacrifice your own child for the rain to fall?"
Lol... scratch that, I'm not here to talk about that but rather there is something else more something more entertaining than that. It's the Ekpo Masquerade Culture in my location- Akwa Ibom State.
Generally, we have said that culture is a way of life and it consists of beliefs, customs, traditions, and values of people.
One of the most outstanding, and powerful cultural practices in my state, called Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, is the Ekpo masquerade tradition.
The word Ekpo means "ghost" or "spirit" in the Ibibio and Annang languages. This culture is still practiced today in many parts of the state like Ikot Ekpene, Abak, Etinan, Oron, and Uyo. It is not only entertaining but it also has some spiritual reasons and lessons attached. More than that, it shows respect for our ancestors.
Ekpo started many years ago among the Ibibio and Annang people. It was originally a secret society made up of men who were chosen or initiated. These men were believed to have the power to connect with the spirits of the dead.
We were made to believe that the spirits of the ancestors could come back to earth through the Ekpo masquerade. So, when an Ekpo appeared, it was not seen as a person in a costume, but as a real spirit from the land of the dead. Because of this belief, many people respected the Ekpo while some feared the Ekpo (including me, I usually run away from the big ones ooo😂)
The Ekpo masquerade is mostly celebrated between the months of June, October to December. In some places, it is held during the New Yam Festival, coronations of chiefs, or village celebrations.
Although it's always a fun period because some Ekpo or masquerade use that as an opportunity to extort money from people, display their dance skills, or playfully pursue some children but then the main reason for the celebration is to honor the ancestors and cleanse the land of evil. People also believe that the spirits come to bless the land, protect the people, and correct wrong behavior in society.
Before the main day, there are secret meetings among the members of the Ekpo society. These are older men who have gone through initiation. Young boys or men who want to join the society must pass through a process. This includes spending days in the Ekpo house or forest shrine, learning the laws, songs, and dances of Ekpo.
On the main day of the festival, the village is decorated. People wear traditional clothes, and there is music, food, and dancing. But the most exciting part is when the Ekpo masquerades come out.
The masquerades wear wooden carved masks. Each mask has a meaning. Some represent warriors, others show foolish people, wise elders, or even spirits that punish evil. The bodies of the masquerades are covered with charcoal, clay, raffia, or animal skin. They move with energy, dancing, jumping, and acting out different characters.
Some Ekpo masquerades carry whips and chase people around playfully, especially those who are believed to have done something wrong. (Even when I didn't do anything wrong, I was still chased after😅). The drummers play loudly, and the flutists lead the Ekpo in their dance. Women and children watch from a distance, clapping and singing along.
In some areas, there are different categories of Ekpo. The friendly ones entertain the crowd. But there are also dangerous ones that come out later in the night or perform secret rituals. These are taken very seriously, and only the initiated members are allowed near them.
After the performances, the Ekpo masquerades return to their sacred house. The chief priest or elder will pour libations (drinks like palm wine) on the ground and say prayers to send the spirits back in peace. Everyone is told to live in peace, respect the laws of the land, and honor their elders.
The Ekpo masquerade is one of the oldest surviving traditions in Akwa Ibom. Even though many people have moved to cities and adopted new religions, the Ekpo culture is still alive and active in rural areas. It connects the people with their history and ancestors reminding them of who they are and where they come from. We are expecting to witness this year's edition of the Ekpo masquerade festival coming up in December in my village, although I have grown, but then I know I will still be chased by them because I'm quite a stubborn one.😅😅