Usobo

 Usobo is the iconic raffia skirt cloth of the Efik people, deeply rooted in the traditions of Calabar and the Cross River region. Historically worn during ceremonial dances and royal festivities, it is not just attire but a rhythmic instrument, swaying in harmony with the dancer’s movements to embody grace, vitality, and cultural pride. In Efik mythology and performance, Usobo symbolizes freedom of spirit and a direct connection to ancestral rhythms. Its rustling texture creates a natural percussive sound, merging dance with music and giving life to ceremonies such as coronations, Ekpe society festivals, and traditional weddings. For women, it reflects elegance and femininity, while for men it represents status, agility, and mastery of cultural dance. To wear Usobo is to embody the living history of the Efik, carrying forward a centuries-old tradition that celebrates identity, movement, and communal joy.