The Efik are an influential ethnic group primarily located in southeastern Nigeria, centered around the city of Calabar in Cross River State and extending into Akwa Ibom State. Known historically as major slave and palm oil traders, the Efik developed a sophisticated and distinctive culture that blends indigenous traditions with early European influences.

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Location and History

• Location: The Efik inhabit the lower Cross River basin in southern Nigeria, particularly around the Calabar River and its creeks. Their main city is Calabar, which was historically known as Old Calabar—a significant port during the trans-Atlantic slave trade era. They are also found in Akwa Ibom State and neighboring Cameroon.
• Historical Role: The Efik were prominent middlemen in the Atlantic slave trade and later in the palm oil trade from the 17th to the 19th centuries, which established Calabar as a major commercial center. This trade brought early and extensive contact with Europeans, influencing their culture, language, and society.
• Political Structure: Traditionally, Efik society was organized into self-governing city-states (like Duke Town, Creek Town, and Henshaw Town). The supreme traditional ruler is the Obong of Calabar.

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Language and Society

• Language: The Efik people speak the Efik language (Usem Efịk), a member of the Benue-Congo sub-family of the Niger-Congo language group. It is closely related to and mutually intelligible with Ibibio.
  • Literary Importance: Efik was one of the earliest Nigerian languages to have a written form (orthography devised as early as 1812) and a Bible translation, making it an important lingua franca in the Cross River region.
  • Nsibidi Script: Efik society is associated with the Nsibidi script, a form of ancient African ideograms used for symbolic communication, particularly within the Ekpe society.
• Secret Societies: The Ekpe (Leopard Society) is a highly influential graded secret male society. Historically, it served as the executive government, enforcing laws, settling disputes, and promoting tribal unity. The female equivalent is the Ekpa society.

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Culture and Traditions

• Religion: While predominantly Christian today, traditional Efik religion included a belief in a supreme creator god, Abassi, and his wife, Atai (the mediator).
• The Fattening Room (Nkuho): This is a well-known, though now largely discontinued, cultural practice. A young virgin bride-to-be would be secluded for months in the “fattening room” where she was pampered, massaged, well-fed, and taught marital and household etiquette. This was to ensure she was well-nourished and plump (a traditional symbol of beauty, health, and prosperity) before her wedding.
• Festivals: Notable Efik festivals include the Calabar Festival (a large annual carnival), the New Yam Festival, and the Boat Regatta Festival.

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Traditional Attire and Cuisine

Traditional Attire

Efik attire is famous for its colorful, rich, and elaborate style, often featuring luxurious fabrics and extensive beading.

• Women’s Attire:
  • Ọnyọnyọ: The most iconic bridal wear; a voluminous, long, flowing gown, often made of silk, brocade, or velvet, that shows heavy Victorian-era influence mixed with Efik artistic designs. It’s heavily adorned with coral beads and embroidery.
  • Ofong Udok Anwang: A two-piece outfit consisting of a richly beaded top and a skirt that showcases the bride’s waist.
  • Accessories: Colorful beads (Nkwaesit Itong for the neck), elaborate headpieces, and hand/leg accessories are essential elements.
• Men’s Attire: Efik men typically wear a wrapper (often a brightly colored or white material) paired with a crisp white shirt, a waistcoat or jacket, a traditional cap, and sometimes a walking cane, showcasing a fusion of indigenous and European fashion.

Cuisine (Food)

Efik cuisine is renowned across Nigeria, with many dishes centered on the abundant seafood from their coastal environment.

• Famous Soups:
  • Edikang Ikong (Vegetable Soup): A highly popular and nutritious soup made with a generous mix of two main vegetables (pumpkin and water leaves) and an assortment of meats and seafood.
  • Afang Soup: Another celebrated vegetable soup, made with the Afang (wild spinach) leaf, palm oil, meat, and fish.
• Other Dishes: Ekpañ Ñkukwọ (a pottage made from grated cocoyam and water yam, wrapped in cocoyam leaves), Afia Efere (white soup), and a variety of seafood-based dishes are staples.