A Calabar chief and his son.

circa 1947

👑 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.

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

Photo: Historylovers

Contributed by JOSE M LOPEZ on March 30, 2025

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A Calabar chief and his son.
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