Cultural Evolution and the Nkuho (Seclusion) Practice of the Efik

Culture is a group worldview, the way of organizing the world that a particular society has created over time. This framework or web of meaning allows the members of that society to make sense of themselves, their world and their experiences in that world. It is this sharing of a common reality that gives people within a particular culture a common fund of knowledge. The Nkuho practice of the Efiks is deeply rooted in the people‟s culture. It is an exercise that essentially represents an arena and fundamental resource for nurturing beauty and for preparing young women to face life as wives, mothers, workers and business owners. As an old rite-of-passage, Nkuho facilitates the passage from maidenhood to womanhood and wifehood, as well as help transmit the culture of the Efiks. All Cultures are inherently predisposed to change and, at the same time, to resist change, Nkuho is no exception to this phenomenon as we are in an accelerating culture change period all around the world regardless of whether we try to resist it or not. The Nkuho exercise as obtainable today, is carried out with a difference, some part of the practice have been dropped while others have undergone modification. This is partly because of change in needs, preferences and style of living. Though the level of participation has dropped the exercise is still in practice.

Key Words: Efik, Culture, Society, Nkuho, Change.