Kalabari · History
From the early settlements to today.
The history of our people — the way it was told to us, and the way it appears in books. We are gathering both, chapter by chapter.
In this section
Our People
What we call ourselves, where we live, and the clans and families that make us.
What we are asking
- What do we call ourselves — and what do others call us?
- What does our name mean, and where did it come from?
- Which states and local government areas do we live in?
- Who are our neighbours, and how do we get on with them?
- What towns and villages are ours, and which is the most senior?
Being gathered with our family. Answers will appear here as they are written and confirmed.
Where We Came From
The stories, as they were told to us. Long before any book was written about us.
What we are asking
- Where do our people say we originally came from?
- Who is remembered as our first ancestor or founder?
- Did our people move from one place to another — who moved, when, and why?
- Were we ever ruled by a bigger kingdom, or always on our own?
- What wars or conflicts do our people remember from long ago?
Being gathered with our family. Answers will appear here as they are written and confirmed.
Our Rulers
How power was held, and by whom. Traditional rulers, chiefs, women's titles, age grades.
What we are asking
- What is our highest traditional ruler called, and what does the title mean?
- How is a new ruler chosen?
- What are the important chief titles, and what does each person do?
- What titles and positions of authority did women hold?
- Who are the past rulers whose names are remembered?
- Before government courts, how were quarrels and crimes settled?
Being gathered with our family. Answers will appear here as they are written and confirmed.
How People Lived
Farming, crafts, trade, money before coins, and the land itself.
What we are asking
- What did we grow, keep, fish or hunt — and who did which work?
- What crafts and skills were ours — weaving, dyeing, blacksmithing, carving, boat building?
- What did we trade, and with whom?
- What did people use as money before coins and notes?
- Who owned the land? When someone died, who got what?
Being gathered with our family. Answers will appear here as they are written and confirmed.
Family Life and Customs
How families were held together, and the customs that shaped everyday life.
What we are asking
- Do we trace our family through the father, the mother, or both?
- How is a compound or household organised?
- What are the customs around naming, marriage, and death?
Being gathered with our family. Answers will appear here as they are written and confirmed.