Every tribe and people always have a distinctive quality and embroidery features that distinguish it from others.
For the Kalabari people, their uniqueness is excellently distinguished by gazing at their dress and the marvelous textile artworks.
Kalabari means "Let the well-endowed lend me a little". And they have received benevolently from all that is gracious, endowed, and illuminating. All these can be seen in their way of life and culture. The beauty in their faces, their achievements, and the profiles of reputable men from the kingdom.
You can easily tell that this man or woman is from the Kalabari kingdom through their popular Iriabo dressing which is a combination of beautifully decorated coral beads worn majestically on the head and an India wrapper wrapped around the waist. There are many Iriabo dresses for different occasions.
The Kalabari kingdom is painted with ancient cultural heritage, a showcasing of rich culture and traditions and tales told by the surrounding atmosphere and the mouths of old chiefs and people.
Kalabari has been in existence since the 15th century and has made contact with the European slave traders who used the Island as an entrepot of the transatlantic slave trade. As a result, the town developed at a faster rate in economic matters and social interaction.
Kalabari is nested in the east Niger Delta region of River State, Nigeria. The Kalabaris are a subgroup of the Ijaw people. They are dominant in sea trading and fishing. Due to its proximity to the ocean waters, it is believed that all Kalabaris can communicate with the water gods and spirits.
With a population of over 1 million, the Kalabaris are one of the most popular tribes in Rivers State. The common language spoken in the area is the Ijo language.
The Kalabari kingdom is an independent traditional state of the Kalabari people.
The founder of Kalabari is Amachree 1, however, their ancestral lineage is traced to Perebo Kalabari, from which the name Kalabari is derived. They were formerly called Awome. The kingdom is still ruled by the descendants of Amachree.
The goddess Awamenakos is revered by the people as the water goddess of fertility and fruitfulness.
Owu Aru Sun festival is a festival of unity that brings all Kalabaris together, even those in the diaspora. It is a festival that showcases the culture of the people, enthralling dance steps, and celebration of a rich cultural heritage. The Ekine Sekiapu festival organized by the Ekine Sekiapu society features an acrobatic display of masquerades and the rhythmical movements of young men and elders.
Marriage is of three types - Iya (highest and most expensive), Igwa, and Waribiobesime. Where the couples must perform various marital rites before accepting and approving their union.
The men are bedizened with royalty in their Woko dressing: Imkpara (walking stick) and bowler hat. While the women radiate in their Krukru bite, Kilali soun, Angora sun, Injiri Iriabo, etc.
Seafoods are what's common in the area due to the ocean's proximity. Delicious fish sauce or soup is cooked in every corner with enjoyable and extensive satisfaction.
Native dishes are onunu(pounded yam, ripe plantain, and palm oil), Tominafulo(fresh fish, prawns, periwinkles, oysters), and odofulo (native soup and fresh seafood).
The Kalabaris were called Englishmen when they first made contact with the Europeans because of their relative peace and orderliness. Even after the 15th century, the peace and hospitality of the Kalabaris are still felt and witnessed in the town, and an affectionate place for tourists and visitors.
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