Ekpo Masquerades

Ekpo (Masquerades) is a cultural society art form that originates from the Efik, Ibibio and Annang People in the Cross River/Akwa Ibom in Southern Nigeria. The practice was also adopted by neighbouring regions, namely Arochukwu and Ohafia (Abia state) during the expansion of the Aro-Kingdom. [1][2][3]

Ekpo Masquerade
Ekpo
Regions with significant populations
Ibibio people, Efik people, Igbo people

History

The Ekpo same in meaning as Ekpe, Okpo-owo or Akpo-owo as pronounced by the Efik, Ibibio and Annang people simply describe it as a non-living human or a dead soul that comes to the land of the living.[4]

In Akwa Ibom Ekpo Masquerades 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

Due to advent of christianity and modern civilization, the Ekpo Masquerade is no longer regarded as dead souls that comes back to the land of the living, instead it is now known to be a costume worn by living humans and it is regarded as an integral part of the culture and heritage of the people.[6]

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See also

References
  1. "Ekpo Ibibio". Modish Project Blogs. Retrieved 2017-09-22.
  2. "Ekpo Annang". Naijaperminute's Blog. Retrieved 2017-09-22.
  3. "Curses as Ekpo spirits bury dead masquerade in A'Ibom - Vanguard News". Vanguard News. 2018-01-23. Retrieved 2018-04-24.
  4. "Pictures Of Ekpo From Akwa Ibom State". Wetinhappen Magazine. Retrieved 2017-09-23.
  5. "Ekpo Festival". Betatalk - Blogs. Retrieved 2017-09-23.
  6. "Impact of Christianity on the Culture of AkwaIbom People". KmacIMS | Education Annex. 2019-05-13. Retrieved 2019-09-27.
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