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Author(s): Akankpo Udom E..

Volume/Issue: Volume 7 , Issue 3 (2024)

Abstract:

Ikpe clan is a sub-tribe in Ibibio ethnic group in Nigeria. They belief and worship Esieri Ikpe deity, with an annual new Yam Festival structured in eight separate days celebration between July and October. It is embedded with a lot of ritual sacrifices, traditional rites and celebrations. The festival are role shared amongst the women, young adults, the Eteidung and traditional council members. Yam play a central place in all that they do, as it is believed that the celebration will usher in more blessings and bumper harvest in the New Year. Through participant's observation and oral interview, the study seeks to uncover the symbolic methods of serving the gods, and their pattern of new Yam celebrations. However, some parts of the culture have been altered due to time, socialization, education and poor economy, but it's significance is still very relevant.

Keywords:

Ibibio, Ikpe, Yam, Festival, Rituals, Esieri Ikpe Deity.

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