Ekoi people

infobox ethnic group
group=Ekoi

Ekoi skin covered Ekpe head dress

poptime=152,000 [http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rog3=CM&rop3=102887 Joshua Project - Ejagham, Ekoi of Cameroon Ethnic People Profile ] ]
regions =
region1 =NGR
pop1 =87,000
ref1 =
region2 =CMR
pop2 = 65,000
ref2 =
rels= Traditional Ekoi Religions, Christianity
langs= Ekoid languages
related-c= Ibibio, Annang, Ijaw, Efik, Igbo

The Ekoi people, also known as Ejagham people, are an ethnic group in the extreme southeast of Nigeria and extending eastward into Northern Cameroon. Ekoid Bantu languages are spoken by many groups, including the Atam, Boki, Mbembe, Ufia, and Yako. The Ekoi live closely with the Efik, Annang and Ibibio people of southeastern Nigeria and claim to have migrated from the north to their area. The inhabitants of Kwa, located near Calabar, claim to be the first Ekoi people to have migrated from the north. The Ekoi are best known for their Ekpe headdresses. [ [http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/181666/Ekoi Ekoi - Britannica Online Encyclopedia ] ]

Geography

The Ekoi in Nigeria are found in Cross River State. The Ekoi language is spoken around this area, although English (the national language) is also spoken.

Origin

The Ekoi believe that the heirs of the first settlers of their present settlement own the land; while newcomers are not allowed to buy land, they are able to purchase rights of settlement. Ekoi men have traditionally hunted, while women have engaged in agriculture, raising yams, plantains, and corn (maize). Women also fish, and both men and women participate in weaving.

Rulers

Ekoi towns are ruled by councils of elders, but townspeople are free to attend meetings. Native courts that were instituted under British administration provide an appeals system outside of the decision making by the elders. Representatives from various towns sit on the courts.

Ekoi mythology

The primary traditional Ekoi deities are Obassi Osaw, the sky god, and Obassi Nsi, the earth god, similar to the Efik. Ancestors and natural forces are also emphasized in Ekoi worship. Various Ekoi cults are devoted to the welfare of common activities, such as farming. Before the establishment of British colonial administration, the egbo was a prominent Ekoi secret society that had strong social regulatory functions as well as influence in religious matters. Members of the egbo used a form of ideographic writing called nsibidi, variations of which were formerly found among other ethnic groups in southeastern Nigeria.

Notes