Hello everyone! I've a simple obligation of sharing with you some of the outstanding cultures in the world, mostly in Africa extraction.

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Nigeria as a country is blessed with over two hundred millions people and over two hundred and fifty ethics with different cultural displays, Akwa Ibom State is one of the most blessed states in the South South region of Nigeria with thirty one local government areas. Uruan is one of its local government and they're known as Uruan Nation because of their magnificent cultural heritage which makes them become center of attraction. Share with you recently about one of the most scariest cultural display of Uruan people called Nkim Itong

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Today, I will be sharing with you about Ekpe Cultural Heritage, the pride of Uruan Nation Ekpe literally means Lion, is a traditional secret society among Efik people, it was originated from Ekoi tribe in Cross River State. It's not just a culture but It plays a significant role in the cultural and political life of the region. Ekpe is both played by Efik people in Calabar of Cross State and Uruan people in Akwa Ibom State although Uruan people are the Efik by origin but the structure of Ekpe in Efik begins with the basic masquerade known as Idem Ikwọ to Nyamkpe this is the highest level displayed by senior mantle bearers only. Meanwhile, the members of this sacred cult are regarded as the protectors of societal order along with the traditional ruler. Ekpe has a unique means of communication known as Nsibidi.

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Nsibidi is a special gesture communications and ancestoral vocalizations which only be understood, interpreted and responded to by senior members of the Ekpe cult. This is a symbol method of writing of over two thousand year old writing system and it's always inscribed on the leadership attire. Ekpe is a unified traditional cult with the same core values practiced in different localities with or without a slightly different names. Ekpe is the highest and most prestigious masqurade in any part of Akwa Ibom and Cross River State in Nigeria especially in the locality Uruan and Efik people, its existence like just like lion that's why it the king of all other masquerades and its habitat. Ekpe rituals and ceremonies require mostly men and purity while women are traditionally prohibited from participating in any aspect of the cult except the wives and daughters of high ranked members but are ceremonially initiated as distant observers not as participants.

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Although, women also have their counterpart which is a highly-status matrachical societies, they're Abang, Ekombi or Moni-Nkim and men are strictly prohibited from participating. This will be discussed in one of my post later this week, just follow me for more cultural heritage and cultures of different places in Africa and beyond. Ekpe is one of most well structured society with semi-caste characteristics where there are categories and titles according to ones' traditional qualifications initiated into. There is tendency that one from a lower category may find favour being initiated to a higher level on merits if only he has successfully completes the necessary rituals and tough tests which usually lasted for weeks.

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Ekpe cultural display usually took place at the end of the year that is every December, during festival and the dead of one of the senior member of the cult, the display usually took seven market days, the Ekpe will ekpe perform many spiritually guided walks which includes Iyiro/Nyiro that's (random spins) starting from a certain point in the town to the palace of the traditional ruler who is a senior member of the cult. Ekpe has a unique outlook, one of the most most noticable features of Ekpe cult artform is the masquerade looks, it designed in red and black color with a big round glituans worn at the upper body section representing mane of a lion with a small versions around the ankles known as Mkpat Etim and smaller versions around the wrists know as Itong Ubok Etim. It holds a bunch of oboti leaves in the left hand and a long staff in the right which spiritual authority and leadership.

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Ekpe cult is the most prestigious masquerades in West Africa, it serves as law enforcement, judiciary, and spiritual consultation. It's considered as the custodian of Uruan cultural heritage

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