Nyaya Kunya (or Nyanyaku) costume for the Ekpe society
Etubom Asuquo Etim (also known as Bambam) is a producer, musician, and mask maker from the Ekoretonko (Cobham Town) community of the Efik Kingdom. His work is sought after by members of Ekpe, an elite men’s social and political organization in southeastern Nigeria, due to his incredible skill working in raffia. Etim is himself a member of Ekpe, and holds the title of Obong-Nyamkpe in the Efe Ekpe Eyo Ema lodge in Calabar.
During Ekpe masquerade, the Ekong Ikong Ukom, or father of masks, is the most important figure for each Ekpe lodge. However, masquerade performances are also intended to entertain the crowds and draw attention to Efik heritage, and so other masqueraders also join the performance arena. The Nyaya Kunya ensemble is a new creation of Etim’s created by combining elements of three different well-established Ekpe masquerade forms. Locally noted as the finest raffia artist in the region, Etim’s nyaya (chest mane of raffia) are the best available today. The nyaya is the most prominent aspect of this ensemble, which demonstrates an artist’s innovation within a long-established tradition.
Ekpe masquerade dates to the 16th century, and Etim’s Nnyaya Kunya is a unique creation made 500 years later as part of the continuing performance and dynamism of Ekpe masquerade in this region. Near the end of the year, cultural groups perform in front of the houses of prominent Ekpe members, seeking fame and tips. Innovative costumes help groups stand apart and serve as an advertisement for their services. Successful groups will be paid to perform at funerals, weddings and community celebrations. Commissining a dramatic, finely worked costume with novel iconography--like this one--ensures that the groups will be memorable and draw attention from potential patrons.
