20/12/2024
Our Cultural Ethics
1. Do not wear socks with ètibọ or ùsòbo.
2. Do not wear neck beads (nkua) and ọ̀kpọmkpọm together. Either wear just beads or just ọ̀kpọmkpọm.
3. Do not wear canvas sneakers with uta or Ekombi costumes or any other traditional regalia.
4. Do not wear ètìbọ or ùsòbo with shoes that have shoelaces. Instead, opt for beaded shoes (Ikpa ukot nkua) or sandals. If shoes with shoelaces are the only option, ensure the laces are neatly tied and tucked into the shoes.
5. When wearing traditional regalia, refrain from walking with your staff hitting the floor, unless you are a recognized chief or an esteemed figure in the society. You may choose not to carry a staff at all.
6. Ensure your beaded shoes match your hat, especially your beaded hat (itam nkua ye Ikpa-ukot nkua). Black shoes are generally acceptable with funnel and bidak hats.
7. Be mindful of the color of bidak you choose to wear. In some localities, it is inappropriate to wear the white bidak cap if you are not an Ekpe initiate or a recognized figure in your traditional society.
8. Do not tie a white handkerchief on your staff if you do not know its significance.
9. When meeting an elder, do not be first to initiate a handshake, especially if you are significantly younger. Instead, momentarily lower your head while greeting until the elder extends his hand. When shaking hand, place the elder's hand between yours (shake with both hands).
10. In a gathering, do not touch the bottle of drink until the elder grants permission.
11. When granted permission, hold the bottle of drink firmly with your left hand and the glass with your right hand.
12. Do not respond to an elder in English while he is speaking to you in the native language, unless you do not understand or speak the native language.
13. In some areas, it is offensive to address a middle-aged woman as "mma." To be safe, use "èkà" when greeting or conversing with middle-aged women.
14. Do not talk to an elder while sitting, unless they grant permission.
15. Do not sit while an elder has no seat to sit.
16. Do not interrupt an elder while they are speaking.
17. Do not forget to wear your bọkǐd while wearing ndòd ìbà.
18. Avoid excessive makeup to prevent resembling the sister of the àbọikpà èkpò.
19. Without a head tie, ensure you have a native hairdo, such as mfi, nkọ̀rikọ́, or mkpim. It is not cultural to wear ndòd ìbà with Brazilian weavon & bone-straight hair without a head-tie.
20. Be mindful of the number of combs on your etinghe if you are not a first daughter.
21. Do not wear ọ̀nyọ́yọ̀ with a Brazilian wig while carrying a staff.
22. Nkua ubọ́k and nkua itọñ are necessary accessories for a lady's or woman's traditional attire, whether wearing onyoyo or ndod iba.
23. Do not correct an elder if he makes a mistake; he will eventually correct himself/herself.
24. If you must draw an elder's attention to his or her mistake in speech or action, choose your words wisely.
25. Learn how to cook traditional dishes, such as ekpañ-nkùkùọ, asa, ọ̀tọ̀-mbòro, & popular soups.
26. Unless you have mobility issues, do not shake an elder's hand while sitting.
27. If you are responsible for handling welfare among elders, present the options to the elder & allow them to make their choice. Do not ask, "Ette àya adia mkpō?"
28. Do not knock on the table while speaking in the council of elders.
29. Your staff should not touch the floor while dancing Ekombi.
30. Learn the chant of your clan, speak your dialect with confidence.
~ Words of the elders
Oye bari akpakip Ọ́rọ̀!
Oje bab ofri Uruàn!
Ekid idedioñ oo!
Obolo tighi!
Annañ mma!!
Imààn isọñọ o!
Ìkọnọ idi!
Ikot Abasi unọ!
Afid Ibibio isọñọ o!
Yak isọñ adod ùkànà!
Amin
~The Godspell
©️ Ibom Cultures
©️ 📸 Akwa Ibom State Government
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