"The Efik (Calabar) caste structure of Ekpe ("Lion") begins with the basic masquerade - Idem Ikwแป to Nyamkpe which is the most common of the highest level displayed only by senior mantle bearers. Members of this sacred cult are endowed as protectors of societal order along with the traditional ruler.
We have a set of communication methods known as Nsibidi which includes two thousand year old writing system with some of the symbols commonly found inscribed on the Ukara (leadership) attire. Nsibidi also includes special gesture communications and ancestoral vocalizations that can only be understood, interpreted and responded to by senior members of the cult. ....
Unlike "Ekpo", the Ekpe is not a variety of masquerade cults but one traditional cult with the same core values known in different localities by slightly different names - mainly Ekpe and Mkpe; and it is always the highest and most prestigious masquerade in the locality where it exists, just like the lion is known to be the king of its habitat.
As many Ekpe rituals and ceremonies require utmost masculinity, celibacy and purity, women are traditionally prohibited from proximity to any aspect of the cult except for wives and daughters of high ranked members who are ceremonially initiated as distant observers rather than participants. However, women have their counterpart high-status matriarchical societies like Abang, Ekombi or Moni-Nkim from which men are strictly forbidden. "
By Koko Esin
Source:
https://ngconsulate.info/article/the-prestigious-ekpe-masquerade-of-calabar
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