The Efik people are an ethnic tribe known for the richness of their culture and the indelible essence they contribute to the multicultural spirit of Nigeria. The people are mainly situated in Southeastern Nigeria, with a few minority scattered across the rest of the world especially in Guinea, Cameroon and the United States. They are sometimes referred to as the Calabar people due to their affiliation with the city of Calabar in Akwa Ibom. But the indigenous Efik people prefer to call themselves the Efik Eburutu. 

Art is an essential embodiment of the Efik mythology. It is a cultural system engrained deep in the people's belief and rituals. The Calabash Carving is a highly revered one among their various art practices. It underlies the craftiness of the Efik people, especially the women. 

The Calabash is a kind of desert gourd used for different domestic and commercial purposes. It appears in different homes as utensils, cooking and storage aid; while socially, they are used for decorations, gatherings, festivities and for intercommunal exchange. However, before the Calabash becomes a complete product for these different uses, it first goes through the carving process made delightful by the expertise of the craftspersons. For the Efik people, the carving process is an opportunity to transmit Efik beliefs like the  Ndem and Ekpe. 

The origins of the Calabash is anthropogenic, but available research underscores that it is deeply tied to the inception of Brass Art in Efik history. Mr. Ironbar also known as Edem Ndakare is regarded as the father of Brass Art in Efik History. It was his wives who were the modern progenitors of the Calabash engraving industry in Old Calabar. 

These women would design intricate and beautifully-designed finished products which would then be taken as souvenirs from Old Calabar by English Traders. These earlier designs of the Calabash were sophisticated with symbols and images of Efik deities. They aided in the description of the deitieand also in depicting the animals that are symbolic to the deities. 

Presently, The Efik Calabash Carving process still maintains the incorporation of Efik storytelling and daily art while also highlighting its role in expressing cultural identity and transmitting knowledge. The various carving techniques include, scraping, carving, scorching and pressure-engraving. The modern designs of the Calabash are often stained with natural dyes such as millet leaves and other symbolic colours derived from natural products. The practice has remained relevant to the Efik people. It is integrated into their daily life, from festivities and domestic decorations to storing goods and encouraging the utilization of everyday art. 

Sources:

Wikipedia