The beautiful state of Cross River is most notably known for its art and cultural heritage as well as its tourism exponents. Places like Tinapa, Obudu cattle ranch and Kwa falls often top the list of the most beautiful and attractive tourist destinations in the country. However, beyond its wealth of tourism trappings, the state of Cross River is also known for its rich cultural diversity and ethnicity. One of the unique ethnic groups that reside in the southern part of this beautiful state are the Efik people.
 The origin of the Efik people is subject to much controversy with some historians stating that they had sojourned from Nubia through to Ghana and then Arochukwu in present-day South East Nigeria. After staying for a time period of about 400 years spanning from the 11th to the 15th century, they left after a disagreement with the Aros. This account goes further to state that the bulk of them left to Uruan in present-day Akwa Ibom State, while some migrated to Eniong and its surrounding areas. They stayed in Uruan for about a hundred or so years and then moved to Ikpa Ene and Ndodihi briefly before crossing over to their final destination in Creek Town. There is another account of their origins that proposes that the Efiks were living in Palestine or Egypt and had crossed the Sahara to Sudan from where they wandered into Nigeria. This is believed to be elaborated in some of their peculiar burial sites and ceremonies.

 Though their historical background can be debated, what cannot be debated is their rich cultural heritage which has gone a long way in influencing their lifestyle. From times past the Efik people have been known fishermen who were passionate about trade. Some of their early ventures would include trading slaves and exportation of agricultural products in exchange for foreign goods. The history of the Efik people participating in trade by barter dates back to the 17th century when this form of value exchange was the predominant means of  "buying and selling".

 Some interesting aesthetic influences of the Efik culture includes the face and body painting which symbolizes purity and love. This beautiful culture was initially used as a  form of self-expression where personal identities or pattern were created to represent certain families and lineages. These paintings can also be celebratory, as new mothers often paint their faces as a form of expressing their joy of birth. These paintings are also most notably used as an important aesthetic feature for the native ''Abang dancers''.
 The ''Abang'' dance is the native dance of the Efik people. The word "Abang" means, "pot" symbolizing fertility. Originated from the worshiping of the water goddess "Ndem", this dance is also a tribute and celebration of respect and gratitude to the earth goddess Abasi Isong, who is credited for the fertile land for growing crops and clay for pottery.
 The gracefulness of these Abang dancers makes for a truly remarkable sight to behold. as the Abang dance displays beauty and femininity emphasizing on flexibility and grace. It is a dance of space, rhythm and unity that attracts and holds the attention of the audience, giving them the appearance of lightness and balance.

 As often seen on display by the Abang dancers, the Efik traditional attire is very elaborate and colorful. The women dress like queens and princesses wearing long flowing gowns, adorning their necks with colorful coral beads and wearing traditional hand-made beaded shoes. They carry beaded handbag while some wear a very elaborate but beautiful headdress to match their outfit.
 The men wear white shirts over colorful wrappers tied around their waists. They also hang a long piece of cloth on their neck called Okpomkpom in addition to beaded shoes and a cap.
 Another interesting element of the Efik people is the Ekpe maquerade. The Ekpe or Mgbe society is also called the ‘leopard’ society because the Ekpe masquerade is a visual cultural reference to a leopard and a glance at its costume, makeup and props will clearly define it as such. Also, men belonged to the secret society, Ekpe which was named after a forest spirit belived to adopt the form of a leopard when seen. Members were the guardians of the peace and the messengers of the ancestors. Their activities included making laws and punishing offenders.
 However, one of the most popoular and peculiar traditions of the Efik people is the Fattening Room practice. The Fattening Room is an aged old tradition of the Efik people of Calabar, which has been greatly modified for today's generations. This ancient tradition is the training given to young women while they are in seclusion to prepare them for marriage and womanhood.
 During this period the girl is being cared for by older women and she is prohibited contact with other people. She is put in a room where she is massaged and well fed in the local dishes (like Porridge, Ekpang, Plantain, Yam, Fufu and assorted pepper soups). This process ensures the bride is healthy looking and a ready mate for her husband. According to the Efik people, they believe a woman who is full figured with a healthy waistline is beautiful. In the Fattening Room the girl goes through domestic training like childcare, cooking, housekeeping  and how to respect and make her husband to be and his family happy. This practice might be considered impractical and sexist in our modern day, but it was a useful practise in promoting core ethnic and family values among the Efik people.
 Whether its the artistic approach to their traditional attire or their unique cultural practises, the Efik people continue to remain very grounded in thir rich cultural heritage and remain one of the most interesting ethnic groups in our country. All these make the Efik tribe remarkable and as they portray the rich cultural heritage of africa.