ART AND CULTURE: Efik Marriage Culture

ART AND CULTURE: Efik Marriage Culture

Okene Eunice

The old 'Fattening Room' tradition is the first thing that comes to mind whenever this subject of Efik marriage pops up for discussion.
Although greatly modified for today’s generation, the fattening room tradition of the Efik people is the secluded training given to maidens in preparation for womanhood.
Six months before marriage, Efik girls are sent to the fattening room that they may be pampered with massages from head to toe; fed as much as they would like to eat  and enlighten them on the ins and outs of marriage without working.
Instead they are to eat sumptuous dishes, engage in meaningful conversation, and sleep; coupled with the three times daily massages that are meant to bring out the natural endowments.

Because it is the belief of the Efik people that a woman who is full-figured with a healthy waistline is beautiful.
In addition to the above Fattening Room activities, the girl goes through domestic training of home management (like cooking, child care, and housekeeping) and how to respect and make her husband and his family happy.
Also included in the training are the cultural dances (Ekombi), folklore, folktales, songs and other forms of entertainment. Skills in artistic designs on Calabash and other materials are taught as well.
At the end of the six months period, which also brings an end of the seclusion days, people all over are invited to honor her success in passing through this ordeal.
This ceremony is celebrated with traditional Efik dances (Ekombi) and other forms of entertainment.
One thing fascinating about the marriage is the Efik traditional attire which makes it distinct from that of other cultures. It’s quite easy to mistaken an Igbo bride for an Edo bride, but when you see an Efik bride and groom, you know straight away.
Efik brides stand out in their elaborate and colourful attires. They wear one of two outfits, one of which is the Ofong Ukod Anwang – a fancy attire which includes a knee length skirt, blouse (usually covering only the bust) and a fancy beaded body adornment.
The second choice for Efik brides is the Onyonyo, a big long flowing gown. They also wear hand and leg gears know as Ekpa ku kwa, and adorn their necks with coral beads. My two favourite things? The over the top hair pins and the decorated staff carried by the bride.