VistAfrica

05/06/2025

THE AMANAM TERRACOTTA ART CULTURE:
A Reflection of Indigenous Ibibio Heritage

The Ibibios are one of the prominent ethnic groups in Nigeria, primarily found in the southern region, particularly in Akwa Ibom State and parts of Cross River State. They are known for their rich cultural heritage, language, traditions, and contributions to the socio-economic dynamics of Nigeria. Majorly consisting of the Annang, Oron , Eket and others

These Discovery reveals a rich and deep cultural heritage of the Ibibio people through the remarkable art culture, indigenous pottery and terracotta forms discovered in Akwa Ibom State, southern Nigeria. Dating back between 1,200 to 1,800 years. These artifacts bring to life the artistic and social practices of an ancient civilization.

Named after John Amanam from Nsit Atai local government area, who first unearthed these treasures in 2009 around the Urua Ekpa region, the Amanam collection is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Ibibio culture. John has dedicated himself to excavating, documenting, and preserving these terracotta pieces, ensuring that the rich art culture of the Ibibio people is safeguarded for future generations.

Cultural Significance

These collection provides a profound insight into ancient Ibibio pottery, highlighting creative applications in everyday life. It showcases an array of artifacts, including:

*Royal Ceramic Headrests
*Serving Bowls
*Silos
*Cups and Jars
*Tomb Markers
*Etc

These diverse items reflect the indigenous development of pottery and associated technologies, shedding light on the cultural practices and the historic scripts of Nsibidi and Ubierekaima.

The intricate symmetry and geometric precision of these artifacts suggest the use of simple machinery, possibly including centripetal and centrifugal wheels, in their creation. The detailed designs were likely crafted with specially made wooden spatulas and post-form engraving tools, revealing a high level of artistry and craftsmanship.

Unearthing History

In addition to the terracotta pieces, significant discoveries at one of the sites include remnants of an ancient battlefield, where various weapons such as spears, daggers, and other unidentified items of warfare were found. Some artifacts feature striking illustrations that depict the fierce realism of battles, including curved spears that appear to have pierced bodies. The spatial arrangement of these finds reflects the strategic layout employed during combat, offering invaluable insights into the warfare practices of the time.

Together, let's honor and preserve this invaluable part of our history for generations to come!

05/06/2025

Someone please help us identify this culture, tribe or language. It's amazing.
Is the practice still obtainable today?

03/02/2023

16/09/2022

Professor Mashudu Tshifularo of South Africa is the first human on record to cure deafness by performing a middle ear transplant .(African genius)
"Innovate or perish with time"... Prof. Mashudu Tshifularo 20'
Please Nigerian and African doctors should start researching on high blood pressure, it has stolen many lives.

26/08/2022

Craft Name : Chopepe
Medium : Wood
Region : Eket, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

02/08/2022

*LONG WALK TO FREEDOM*
This is dedicated to all the good Ancestors who gave their lives for us , died protecting their lands and upholding our identity, who fought and embraced death for our land's sake. Whose love and desire to recreate brought us to this world. Who named our trees, our lands, found our food and gave us our names, passed on their blood and knowledge. We wake in the morning to the rising sun, with a shot in our hands and pour our libation. We may be few who still remember and understand but, we will not forget our names; your names, our blood ;your blood, our lands ;your lands. We live in you and you in us. We still reference you and your contributions..... Asé😔

Music : Zimbabwean national Anthem 1980 -1994

17/07/2022

Chief Uko Effiong aka "Asiak Ndàp" of Obio Etoi of Aka Offot of Uyo local Government, Akwa Ibom State! Nigeria. A living legend, he is almost a hundred years of age. He is said to have the ability of describing people's dreams without them sharing it to him. He started his practice as early as 1952. A king and one of the last of his kind. This is a festival he holds annually for the new yams. Black is Power! Black is Glory!! 13/07/2022

25/09/2021

Ikom Monoliths - Ancient Volcanic Stones in Southern Nigeria

Ikom monoliths are series of carved ancestral volcanic stones in Ikom, Cross River State, southern Nigeria. The mysterious stones are the heritage of the Ekoi people who live in scattered villages. Dating ca. 200AD, the stone monoliths are known variously as Akwanshi or Atal or Alaptal.

Numbering over 300, each stone figure is between 2ft and 4ft high and the largest being 6ft. They are conical in shape. To some natives, Akwanshi literally means dead person in the ground.

Each monolith and stone represents an ancestor. According to oral history, it is the ancestors of Ekoi people that put the stones where they are. Their ancestors are believed to have gotten the stones out of the river where the water made them smooth and they only cut the faces with stones and irons, each face representing one of their dead chiefs whose names are not known.

Sacrifices were made to these stones.

Whilst the stones seem to share common features, each monolith is unique in its design and ex*****on, and are thought to “bear a complex codified iconography and an ancient writing, communication and graphic system composed in a complex traditional design configuration” (UNESCO 2007).

In addition, local community leaders also ascribed religious significance to the stones whereby particular stones are dedicated to the god of harvest, the god of fertility and the god of war (Esu and Ukata, 2012:113).

The Akwanshi (Ikom monoliths) have baffled experts since their first discovery in 1903. Their origin remains a mystery. It is believed among the Ekoi people that the spirit of the dead returns to live in the stones.

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To explore the Ikom monoliths, southern Nigeria, visit: vistafrica.com

17/09/2021

Ekpe Leopard Society - the Southern Nigerian Masquerade Cult with a Writing System Similar to the Ancient Egyptian Medu Neter (Hieroglyphics)

The Ekpe Lepoard Society is arguably the most prestigious masquerade cult in Africa. The cultural fraternity is the heritage of the Ekoi (Qua, Ejagham), Efik and Ibibio people of Southern Nigeria. It is also practised by some Igbos in Arochukwu.

The term “Ekpe” traditionally means “Lion or Leopard”. It is also known as “Iyamkpe”, “Mgbe.”

Nsibidi

The sacred writing system of Ekpe is known as “Nsibidi” – ideographic symbols similar in pattern to the Kemetic medu neter (hieroglyphics). Nsibidi writings are sacred, but some can be found on ancient calabashes, bronze arts, terracotta, swords, leaves, etc. Every Mgbe initiate is exposed to Nsibidi. According to legend, the writing system was exposed to the Ekoi people by a baboon thousands of years ago, who then exposed it to their ancestral relatives the Efiks, Ibibios and Aro-Igbos.

The masquerade typically holds a staff signifying nobility and a spiritual leaf called “Oboti” – used for cleansing and purification and for punishing offenders. Ekpe masquerade initiates typically don a wrapper called “Ukara Ekpe”. The cultural society is open to both men and women and is guided by strict rules and regulations. In precolonial times, Ekpe regulated social, legal, political and economic matters in its communities. It resisted colonial influence and has gained renewed popularity in the 21st century.

The society is connected to the waters and the jungle, the dwelling-places of the deities (“Ikpaisong”) presiding over the fraternity. Ekpe has lived on for thousands of years from the precolonial times.

The head or leader of Ekpe is called “Iyamba.” He is responsible for the Ekpe shrine or den, pouring libation and making sacrifices to divinity before and after Ekpe masquerade festivities. Membership is by initiation. Initiates are subject to hierarchies. The highest level in the Ekpe cult is called "Efamba." Ekpe is the pride of the Ekoi, Efik and Ibibio people of southern Nigeria.

The cultural secret society also boast of members on the international scene. The culture is practiced by some diasporans in Cuba, Brazil, and also in the USA. In Cuba it is called “Abakua” or “Abakwa Ekpe”.

It is believed that when the drums play, and the initiates burst into songs and rhythmic cultural dances, the spirit "IYAMKPE" comes alive.

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To experience the Ekpe Masquerade festivity, visit: vistafrica.com

10/09/2021

Experience...

"December in Southern Nigeria" luxury tour is organized for tourists around the world to discover the rich culture and heritage of the Akwa Ibom and Cross River ethnic groups of southern Nigeria.

It is a great vacation opportunity for tourists interested in Africa and southern Nigeria.

Seven ethnic groups will be explored: the Efik, Ibibio, Annang, Boki, Oron, Ejagham, and Mbembe ethnic groups of southern Nigeria.

Features of the tour will include: cultural festivals, ancient African arts exhibition, masquerade displays, visits to heritage sites and natural parks, drill monkey tour, canoeing, seaside cultural festivities, souvenirs, etc.

Date: 20th - 29th December, 2021.

Come and see African culture like never before!

For more info visit our website: www.vistafrica.com
Email: [email protected]