Introduction
Mbing Ekan is a coming-of-age naming ceremony. “Mbing” means “Name” and “Ekan” means “Age Grade.” In this context, Mbing Ekan refers to the coming-of-age naming ceremony of an age grade, a significant and consequential Ejagham traditional practice. This ceremony marks an age grade’s transition into adulthood within the community, transforming them from mere members to responsible men and women of the community.
Ekan holds a special place in Ejagham socio-cultural manifestations, influencing various aspects of traditional practices and cultural expressions. It is an integral part of the Ejagham governance system. This article aims to shed light on the importance and relevance of Ekan in the Ejagham community.
The Ejagham nation comprises seven clusters: Qua, Akamkpa, Etung, and Bakor in Nigeria, and Njemaya, Ngunaya, and Obang in Cameroon. While the practice of Ekan may differ slightly across these clusters, the underlying principles remain consistent. This narrative focuses on the practice of Mbing Ekan in the Mbarakom community within the Ejagham Akamkpa cluster, Cross River State, Nigeria.
The Concept of Age and Age Grade in Ejagham
Age
Age is a fundamental aspect of Ejagham socio-cultural practices, influencing all interactions and hierarchies within the community. Respect for elders is a central theme, with age determining status, behavior, and privileges. In Ejagham culture, respect for elders can earn accolades such as “enoe ibone” (a well-cultured young person) or negative labels like “nkui amid ibone” (an uncouth young person).
The concept of Ekan is better understood through the ladder analogy, where each rung represents a named and responsible age grade. The higher one climbs, the greater the comfort, authority, and privileges enjoyed, reflecting wisdom and status in the community.
Ekan
Ekan is an age-old Ejagham traditional institution. An age grade typically comprises three birth years, allowing for flexibility based on community needs. Upon recognition, an age grade assumes responsibilities within the community. The merging of three birth years ensures sharing the communal burden as members of the age grade transition into ancestry.
Governments worldwide recognize the value of age grades, setting maturity ages between 18 to 21 years. In Ejagham, maturity is determined by criteria such as responsible behavior, trustworthiness, honesty, resourcefulness, and respect for elders. This age is typically around 28 years.
Ekan Categorization
Ejagham communities are divided into two main groups based on age grades:
- Nkan Ane-akui: Named age grades that have come of age. They are responsible for running the community.
- Mbing-chang: Unnamed age grades yet to come of age. They are further divided into:
- Mbing chang ane-akui: The most senior unnamed age grade, ready to come of age.
- Mbing chang abonne: The rest of the unnamed age grades, with no responsibilities.
Purpose of Age Grade
Age grades determine responsibilities within the community, serving as tools for governance, security, social welfare, and establishing age ranges. They facilitate community activities, defense, adjudication, maintenance, and stability.
Challenges of Being Unnamed Age Grade
Unnamed age grades face various challenges, including restrictions on association, pressure to come of age, limited privileges, and responsibilities such as community labor. These challenges emphasize the importance of attaining a responsible status within the community.
Naming of Age Grade
Naming an age grade is a ritual marking the coming-of-age ceremony, Mbing Ekan. The process involves consultation, teaching, demonstration of understanding phases, and meeting criteria set by the community. The ceremony is a culmination of rigorous preparation, showcasing the importance of attaining a responsible status.
Roles and Responsibilities
The community shares responsibilities for the Mbing Ekan event, demonstrating a hierarchy of seniority and respect. Each level of scrutiny and verification ensures that the aspiring age grade meets the required standards before being named.
The Event
The coming-of-age ceremony is a celebration of the new age grade, marked by the conferment of the name, gunshots, and dancing. It is a triumphant event for both the age grade and the community, symbolizing the transition into responsible adulthood.
Click on this link for a more detailed description of Mbing Ekan activities: EKAN INSTITUTION: Mbing Ekan – Ejagham Tradition
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Ojage Raphael Ayuk
Peer correction is also a fascinating feature of Ekan. Where members are made to discipline one of theirs who is found guilty of some unruly behavior within the community. The victim’s body will be messed-up, beaten followed by cleansing.
admin
Sure, the principle of discipline, though not by beatings these days, works. People are made to pay fines when they default.