Kalabari people belonged to the Ijaw tribe of Rivers State. Kalabari people are one of the most populous groups of people in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria. They settled in the riverine area of the state; majorly on the mangrove swamps.
Location;
They in three local government areas of the state which are; Asari Toru Local Government, Akuku Toru Local Government and Degema Local Government. The Kalabari people are in thirty three towns of the state which include Bile, Kula, Bakana, Obuama, Abonnema, Tombia, Elem Kalabari, Ke, Degema, Buguma which is the capital of the kingdom and several others.
Kalabari people are literates. They have had relationships with the Europeans who settled as slave masters in the old days. They possess guns from the slave masters in those early years. No wonder the Kalabaris have Western names such as Briggs, West, Harry, Dicks.
The Kalabari’s settle in compounds (family settings) they call ‘Polo’ which is said to be coined by the Europeans who settled years back. Being riverine people, it is traditional to have Canoe houses and canoes they refer as ‘Omu-Aru’ which were in use for war in the early days.
Occupation;
The Kalabari people are majorly fishermen and traders. Sea foods are common as a result of the coastal areas. You will hardly enter a Kalabari community without setting your eyes on periwinkles’ shell.
Dressing;
Kalabari people are beautiful and elegant especially in their traditional attires which include ‘njiri’, madras, jewelleries and artifacts. Hats, walking sticks and robes (with long chains) are the dressing code for the men. The women dress in wrappers, blouses, beads and artifacts. Some female folks have a pointed dot on their forehead just like the Indians which seems to be one of many likenesses with the Indians. Local musical instruments such as ‘nkuro’ and ‘kuku’ are used during these festivities.
Food;
The Kalabari people have a rich delicacy. The closeness to the water bodies make seafood (Oysters, Periwinkles, Crayfishes and Fishes) an important ingredient in their menu. A good example is ‘Tomina-Fulo’; a mixture of seafood and fresh fishes which is thick with cocoyam.
The Kalabari people also have their indigenous gin. ‘Akamiri’ and ‘Gbolokai’ are locally made gin used in ceremonies such as wedding which is another pointer to the rich culture and tradition of the people of Kalabari kingdom.
