Ekpo masquerade

 

Photo credit: Google 

By: Akpan Rosemary Inieno

Ancestors are believed to have the powers to intervene in the affairs of the living that is why we worship, respect and fear them.

Some part of the African culture will make sure there is always enough water in the house every Thursday because it is believed that the ancestors of that particular family will come visiting so they need to be welcomed with water.  

Ekpo masquerade is an ancestorial spirit from the spirit world, as a secret society, membership is strictly by initiation;  that is it is a taboo for women to see the Ekpo masquerade and men who are not initiated are not entitled to come close to the masquerade or else the offender will be flogged with a spiritual cane that inflict serious sickness on the offender. 

Every aspect of Ekpo is designed to create fear and caution among women and non-initiates of the land. Ekpo served as the government of the entire Akwa Ibom people performing such functions as judicial, administrative and religious duties back then in the Colonia Era.

My grandfather made me to understand that it is believed that the Ekpo is founded on the belief in life after death; and it is regarded as the soul or ghost of ancestors that return to the land of the living in masquerade form to participate with their kinsmen in communal festivals such as farming and rites of passage.

So in remembrance of the ancestors and gods of the land,this festival is celebrated every once in a year in August, and associated with the other nighbouring villages like the Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin, Ibibio and Annang people that loves to eat Dog meat and it still in practice till date.

Editor: luqman shukurah temitope

Publisher: Mondiu Sherifat Oluwaseun