Ekpo (Ghost) is a cultural society art form that originates from the Efik, Ibibio and Annang peoples in the Cross River/Akwa Ibom in Southern Nigeria. The practice was also adopted by neighboring regions, namely Arochukwu and Ohafia (Abia state) during the expansion of the Aro-Kingdom.[1][2][3]
Ekpo | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Ibibio people, Efik people, Igbo people |
History
editThe Ekpo same in meaning as Ekpe, Okpo-owo or Akpo-owo as pronounced by the Efik, Ibibio and Annang peoples simply describe it as a non-living human or a dead soul that comes to the land of the living.[clarification needed][4]
In Akwa Ibom, the Ekpo masquerade is practiced by almost all its towns, especially during its festivals at Ikot Ekpene, Etim Ekpo, Oruk Anam and Abak as well as the Eket and some other places in the Ibibio land.[5]
In the 21st century
edit
Owing to the advent of Christianity and modern civilization, the Ekpo masquerade is no longer regarded as dead souls that come back to the land of the living; instead, it is now known to be costumes worn by living humans and is regarded as an integral part of the culture and heritage of the people.[6]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Ekpo Ibibio". Modish Project Blogs. 22 August 2016. Retrieved 2017-09-22.
- ^ "Ekpo Annang". Naijaperminute's Blog. Archived from the original on 2017-09-23. Retrieved 2017-09-22.
- ^ "Curses as Ekpo spirits bury dead masquerade in A'Ibom - Vanguard News". Vanguard News. 2018-01-23. Retrieved 2018-04-24.
- ^ "Pictures Of Ekpo From Akwa Ibom State". Wetinhappen Magazine. 26 June 2012. Retrieved 2017-09-23.
- ^ "Ekpo Festival". Betatalk - Blogs. Archived from the original on 2017-09-24. Retrieved 2017-09-23.
- ^ "Impact of Christianity on the Culture of AkwaIbom People". KmacIMS | Education Annex. 2019-05-13. Archived from the original on 2019-09-27. Retrieved 2019-09-27.