A Calabar chief and his son.
Click to expand

A Calabar chief and his son.

👑 A Calabar Chief and His Son — Nigeria, circa 1947

This striking portrait, taken around 1947 in Calabar, southeastern Nigeria, captures a moment of cultural identity, legacy, and transition. The traditional chief, dressed in ceremonial attire blended with European elements—most notably a top hat—stands proudly beside his young son, symbolizing the continuity of leadership in a society navigating both ancestral roots and colonial influence.

Calabar, once the capital of the British protectorate and a historic center of the Efik kingdom, played a key role in West African trade for centuries. This image reflects not only the power and dignity of African nobility but also the complex intersections between tradition and modernity during a pivotal time in Nigeria’s history.

📸 Do you have old photos from Africa or your family’s past? Upload them to OldPik.com and help us preserve the visual memory of our shared heritage.

📍 Africa » Nigeria » Cross River » Calabar 🗓️ Circa 1947 🏷️ #Calabar #OldNigeria #AfricanHistory #VintageAfrica #TraditionalLeadership #FamilyHeritage #OldPik

Photo: Historylovers

Comments

You must be logged in to comment on the photos.

Log in

No comment yet, be the first to comment...

Contributed by

JOSE M LOPEZ

JOSE M LOPEZ

March 30, 2025

Share

Have old photos?

Share your historical photographs and help preserve our collective memory.

Upload pictures