ABSTRACT
From the moment when the death of a great Efik chief was announced his widows came under the care of the Ndito Iban society, known among Ibibios by the name of “Iban Isong,” i.e. Women of the Soil. As the time of mourning drew to an end, about nine o’clock one night a cry was heard coming from the Egbo house. Sisters, cousins, and women “members” of the deceased’s family wore a blue cloth two fathoms long, knotted over the left shoulder and hanging straight down like the usual farm dress. The wives of even poor Ibibios must remain secluded for a week after their husband’s burial. In some rare cases the woman has still been known to hold out, as is also recorded of one or other of the slaves ordained by custom to share the grave of their lord, and from whom a like “blessing” was demanded.
