Ekpe society
Quick Summary
The Ekpe society, also known as the Leopard society, is a graded, secret, male society historically prominent among the Efik people of Nigeria. Traditionally, the obong, or paramount leader, exercised authority as the head of the Ekpe society.1
This society played a significant role in Efik governance, functioning as the executive government. Its responsibilities included making and enforcing laws through fines, capital punishment, or boycotts, judging cases, and maintaining internal peace. The Ekpe society also served as a unifying force, with members from one village being recognized and accepted in another. Membership was restricted to leading men, with higher grades requiring substantial entrance fees. While the Ekpe society still exists, its former dominance in legislative, judicial, and economic affairs has diminished, with state institutions now fulfilling these roles.1
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African artEdo peoplesThe ekpo masquerade, occurring to the south and east of Benin, is performed by the warrior age group in ceremonies to purify the village ritually and to maintain health. At Ughoton, to the southwest of Benin, a different type of mask is used, in the cult…
Read MoreThe ekpo masquerade, occurring to the south and east of Benin, is performed by the warrior age group in ceremonies to purify the village ritually and to maintain health. At Ughoton, to the southwest of Benin, a different type of mask is used, in the cult…
Read More- African artIbibio
The Ekpo society uses black masks, often of naturalistic appearance and with movable jaws, to maintain social order and propitiate the ancestors; some of these masks represent disease and deformity.
Read MoreThe Ekpo society uses black masks, often of naturalistic appearance and with movable jaws, to maintain social order and propitiate the ancestors; some of these masks represent disease and deformity.
Read More