Bahumono

Bahumono traditional dancer
Total population
58,000 (1989, est)[1]
Regions with significant populations
Abi, Cross River
Nigeria	58,000[1]
Languages
Kohumono
Religion
Christianity, Traditional African religions
Related ethnic groups
Yakurr, Efik, Orring people, Igbo people, Ekoi people, Biase and Anang

The Bahumono (Ehumono, Kohumono) are a southeastern Nigerian ethnic group that primarily resides in the Abi local government area of Cross River State.^[2] They are the largest ethnic group in the region.^[3]

They speak the Kohumono language.^[4]

History

The Bahumono live along the Cross River, but according to Bahumono tradition and folklore, the group migrated from Hotumusa. Hotumusa, is the land where the rock Ekpon á Rara is located. And it is that land, the Bahumono consider their spiritual and ancestral homeland.^[5]

During the colonial era, the Bahumono opposed the laws of the British Empire.^[6] The Bahumono, alongside other upper Cross River tribes, foiled the Cross River expeditions of 1895, 1896 and 1898. These particular efforts resulted in the deaths of several British personnel.^[7][8][9]

The Bahumono were once part of the Aro Confederacy^[10] although, as of now, the tribe consists of eight villages: Ebijakara (Ebriba), Ebom, Ediba, Usumutong, Anong, Igonigoni, Afafanyi, and Abeugo.^[11] They are closely related to the Efik, Waawa, Yakurr, Akunakuna, Ekoi people, and Annang people.^[12]

Culture and tradition

The Bahumono culture and tradition shares similarities with neighboring communities ^{[citation needed]}. Individuals trace their origin and ancestry through the Eshi which literally means womb or navel, people from the same eshi are considered as brothers and sisters and will trace their origin to the same father and mother similar to the Ananng people.^[13] Apart from the Eshi, villages are further divided into Rovone.

The practice of the Ekpe secret society and fattening room is widely observed while few people practice the Bahumono religion ^{[citation needed]}.

Festivals

Major Bahumono festivals include;

• Rathobai ^[14]
• Afu wrestling festival ^[15]
• Masquerade parade ^[16]
• Oboko ^[17]
• The annual Humono festival^[18]
• The traditional boat racing challenge ^[19]
• Obam ^[20]

Cuisine

The Bahumono traditional food is similar to the Efik, Igbo and other Cross River communities. Major dishes include

• Fufu ^{[citation needed]}
• Okho(Oha) soup ^{[citation needed]}
• Edikang Ikong ^{[citation needed]}
• Ehkpan ^{[citation needed]}