A SOCIO-CULTURAL HISTORY OF IMAN IBOM PEOPLE IN THE PRE-COLONIAL ERA

ABSTRACT This research is to assess the socio-cultural, economic and political life of Iman Ibom people during the pre-colonial era.It traced the origin of Iman Ibom people In Etinan during the pre-colonial era and the political institutions therein which includes family (Idip ete), a sub division of an extended family (ufòk), lineage (Ekpuk), village (Idung),and clan (ikpa isong).This research finds that the people of Iman Ibom who migrated from Arochukwu worshipped “God of the sky “called (Abasi Ibom Enyon) and (Ibritam) which was Arochukwu long juju. They didn't worship one God they worship masquerade (Ekpo Nyòho) as a government or ruler. Some worship Idiong which were considered as law makers and were in charge of settling disputes.Iman ibom people practiced Utuak Ndok, Ekōn society, Nyòho, Ataat, Idiong, Inam, Ebre Or Ebre isong, Mbobo, Ekpo Ndem Isong, Nkubia Ekpo, Asian Ubo Ikpa, Iban Isong , Ekpo Ndok, Ekpo and Ekpe society,Iban isong and the New yam festival.Also discovered was the fact that trade was first by barter. Somebody took, for instance, some cassava to the market and exchanged it for periwinkles (Mfi) and so on. This study also finds that the traditional occupations of the Iman Ibom people include farming (Agriculture) craftsmanship, hunting and more. Agriculture was an occupation that involves men and women.palm wine tapping, hunting, Craftsmanship was also the occupation of Iman Ibom people.the study was approached analytically and descriptively utilizing information primarily from oral evidence, printed sources textbooks and including conclusions from the informal interviews from local chiefs who lived during the pre-colonial era or who were told by their forefathers.