MKPEM: A Traditional Dance of Nyaje Community – Ejagham Akamkpa Cluster

Located in Akamkpa Local Government, Cross River State, Nigeria, the Nyaje community in Ejagham Akamkpa cluster boasts a unique cultural heritage, particularly evident in the Mkpem traditional dance. This ancient masquerade is a two-faced wonder, with one side painted black and adorned with intimidating makeup and seven teeth, while the other side is a calming yellow.

The front face is painted black, adorned with intimidating makeup on its forehead, and features seven teeth in its mouth, giving it an aggressive appearance. In contrast, the back face is painted yellow, symbolizing peace and calmness. During the dance, the masquerade uses these dual faces to convey different messages. If the black face induces fear in someone, the masquerade turns to reveal the yellow face, reassuring the individual of its peaceful intentions.

The Mkpem dance is a peaceful tradition that encourages communal participation. While men and boys are initiated into the society and perform the rituals, women are allowed to dance around the masquerade after the necessary rituals have been completed. This dance is performed annually on the 3rd of January and during special occasions, such as the passing of a member or a community chief.

The Mkpem traditional dance not only serves as a form of cultural expression but also promotes unity and peace within the Nyaje community.

Brief Historical Background of Mkpem

According to research by Ejah Ekpe Etim and Cyprian S., the Mkpem tradition emerged in the Nyaje community during a period marked by the presence of a mysterious and dangerous mask known as Urbam. While Urbam offered certain powers, it came at a great cost, prompting the community to recognize the peril it posed. The townsfolk ultimately decided to abandon Urbam, understanding that doing so was necessary for their safety and well-being.

Ejah Ekpe revealed in an interview that four chiefs of Nyaje—Ntufam Edet George, Ntufam Alfred Njah, Ntufam Asuquo Okon, and Ntufam Effiong Akpenyenghe—collaboratively decided to commemorate their journey by acquiring a new mask. This new mask, purchased from the Mkpot community in Akamkpa Local Government Area, was brought to Nyaje in 1930s and ceremonially received by the Atuofam at the community’s entrance. The community named the mask “Mkpem,” symbolizing unity and togetherness, a reminder of their collective strength and creativity. This mask continues to hold significant cultural importance to this day.

Cyprian S.’s research highlights that the Mkpem society has long served as a custodian of traditional norms and customs, particularly those related to governance and leadership. The Mkpem dance, as both a ritualistic and symbolic practice, reinforces these norms and the authority of the society in upholding them. Consequently, the dance also reflects the community’s political structure.

Ejah Ekpe further elaborated on the role of Mkpem in honouring late chiefs of the Nyaje community. The dance often accompanies the rites performed for esteemed ancestors, marking their passage into the spiritual realm. Ejah emphasized the distinction between ordinary deceased individuals and respected ancestors, for whom special rites are conducted, signifying their high status and honour within the community.

The Mkpem dance embodies the ancestral transcendence through its songs, dance steps, and expressive performances. Reserved for specific occasions of cultural, spiritual, and social importance, the dance is not merely entertainment but a profound tradition integral to various ceremonies and festivals. These events offer the community an opportunity to celebrate their heritage and partake in rituals passed down through generations.

One notable occasion for the Mkpem dance is the annual Mkpem Festival, held on January 3rd. As Cyprian S. notes, this festival serves as a communal gathering where the community honours their ancestral traditions and cultural heritage. The masked dancers captivate the audience with their dynamic movements and symbolic gestures, fostering a connection between the present and the past while reinforcing cultural values and invoking ancestral spirits.

Audience participation is a crucial aspect of the Mkpem dance. Through call-and-response chants, gestures, and movements, the dancers actively engage the audience, creating a sense of unity and togetherness. This interactive element ensures that the audience becomes an integral part of the performance, enhancing the overall experience and reinforcing the communal bond.

Mkpem Traditional Dance Costume

Costumes play a pivotal role in the Mkpem traditional dance, enhancing the visual spectacle and deepening the cultural, spiritual, and social significance of the performance. These carefully crafted costumes not only captivate the audience but also serve as a vital connection between the dancers and the rich cultural heritage of the Nyaje people.

The attire worn during the Mkpem dance is elaborate and vibrant, meticulously designed to reflect the aesthetic and symbolic traditions of Nyaje culture. Key elements include intricate masks, colourful fabrics, and symbolic accessories, each imbued with specific meanings. The masks, for example, often depict ancestral spirits, animals, or mythological figures, each carrying profound spiritual and cultural significance. The designs and patterns on the costumes may represent important symbols, stories, or historical events unique to the Nyaje people.

Ejah Ekpe, the leading dancer of the Mkpem traditional society, emphasizes that the mask serves to invoke ancestral spirits, connecting the dancers with the spiritual realm and embodying the wisdom and authority of cultural traditions.

Beyond their spiritual symbolism, the costumes also distinguish the different characters and roles within the dance. The Mkpem masquerade wears a distinctive net-cloth called ‘Nku Okum,’ with ‘Ajore’ tied around the legs to add rhythm to the swaying body movements. An ‘Ibum’ adorns the neck, further decorating and beautifying the masquerade, while ‘Arop’ (arrows) are carried as part of the ensemble.

Mkpem is never alone; another masquerade, known as ‘Nkae Okum,’ accompanies it, dressed in a colourful gown with ‘Ajore’ on its legs. Vocalists and drummers, integral to the performance, tie beautiful wrappers and use special cosmetics like ‘Ofam’ (white chalk) to enhance their appearance.

Throughout the performance, members and the audience sing in Ejagham, accompanied by the harmonious sounds of traditional instruments such as the Okam (drums), Okangkang, Njak . Eyuk, Akachak and Agud. The combination of vibrant costumes, dynamic movements, and captivating music creates a mesmerizing experience, deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual fabric of the Nyaje community.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Mkpem traditional dance is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Nyaje community. Its significance extends beyond entertainment, serving as a unifying factor among community members and a connection to their ancestral traditions.