Yako

Member of a people living in the Cross River State of southeastern Nigeria. They grow yams and forest crops.

The Yako live in large villages divided into wards composed of several patrilineal clans, each with its elders and priests. Power in the wards is vested in a group of ward leaders, several of whom also belong to the village council by virtue of their membership of certain cult groups. Descent is reckoned in both the male and female lines; each person belongs to a patrilineal and matrilineal clan, and marries outside both (exogamy). Land and immovable property are inherited in the male line whereas moveable property passes down the female line. Traditionally the Yako practised sacrifice and divination. They believe in spirit forces and the power of witchcraft and sorcery.