A WONDERFUL INSIGHT ON THE EFIK CULTURE

The Efiks are believed to be originally from Uduak Eset in Cameroon

before they migrated to Nigeria as far back as 8,000 BC.

The Efik are an ethnic group located primarily in southeastern Nigeria. The
Efik speak the Efik language which is a Benue–Congo language of the Cross
River family and closely related to Ibibio. Efik was one of the earliest Nigerian
languages, with the original orthography devised in 1812, by King Eyo Nsa
Honesty. States in which Efik people are found include: Cross river state,
Akwa- ibom state etc

Most of the Efik people are Christians and take their religious faith
very seriously. In Efik mythology, Abassi is considered to be the Supreme
Creator. His wife, Atai, is known as the mediator. It is believed that Atai
convinced Abassi to allow two humans also known as their children, to live on
Earth, but forbade them to work or reproduce. These rules were established
so that the Efik people would not surpass Abassi in wisdom or strength.
Eventually the children disobeyed and Abassi killed them both. Abassi and
Atai were disgusted and gave the humans two gifts, chaos and death.

Some local dishes of the tribe include: Edikang Ikong Soup , Afia Efere ,
Atama soup etc
Some Efik festivals include: Calabar festival, New yam festival, Boat
Regatta festival, Otaba Festival.

The Efik dressing is often very spontaneous and colourful with a lot if beeds
and accessories attached these are some bridal outfits the Ofong Udok
Anwang and a fancy beaded body and Onyonyo a big long flowing gown they
also wear hand and leg gear known as Ekpa Ku Kwa.

The predominant occupation of the efik people is fishing. The Efik had cultural
beliefs with one of them being the Fattening Room practice. Here, virgins were
overfed, massaged and made to sleep for long periods to become the perfect,
robust bride.
Overall the efik people are very wonderful creative and
accommodating they have a very interesting culture there is attractive to
people all over the world.
By Chelsea Anozie

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