Hausa People Research Articles

Guɗa in Hausa Celebrations Perspective and its Absence in the Yoruba Culture

This study investigates the socio-cultural importance of "guɗa," a customary celebration activity that involves the rhythmic generation of sound with both the mouth and the nose among the Hausa people. In important life events like marriages and births, as well as the announcement of any other happy events or good news, "Guɗa" is used as a symbol of delight especially by the women. This research investigates cultural differences in the use of music/oral sound and ritual to express joy and communal togetherness through a comparative comparison with Yoruba festive customs. The research explores the social roles, gender dynamics, and symbolic meanings that are inherent in celebration activities by utilizing theoretical frameworks, historical analysis, and ethnographic insights. The study delves into how modernity and globalization have affected customary celebration forms, emphasizing the adaptability of cultural customs in the face of shifting social environments. The results further our knowledge of how celebration plays a part in social cohesiveness, cultural preservation, and identity development in many societies. The study's conclusion highlights the ongoing importance of "guɗa" and related festive customs in maintaining cultural heritage and strengthening ties within the community.

Transitional Home in Perspective: A Critical Overview of Burial Practices and Grave Construction among the Hausa of Northern Nigeria

Throughout history, the Hausa people of Northern Nigeria have viewed death as a transition from one form of existence to another. This belief underscores the importance of constructing elaborate structures to house their dead, providing for their needs during their 'everlasting sleep,' which is believed to last for centuries or even millennia. The deceased were often interred with various goods, signifying their social status within the community. The advent of Islam introduced clear and uniform guidelines for the disposal of the dead and other funeral practices. However, significant personalities in society continue to have their 'transitional homes' elaborately built. These 'transitional homes' are well-maintained, featuring plants and trees, and receiving regular upkeep. They are considered an integral part of the human community. This paper examines the belief system, funeral practices, and grave construction among the Hausa people to understand how these elements influence the conception of a 'transitional home' for the dead. The study draws on extensive literature reviews, observations, and discussions with cemetery custodians. This approach aims to illuminate the notion that transitional homes are seen as part of the human community, necessitating construction, frequent visits, protection, and care.

Proximate Composition and Consumers’ Perceptions on Grasshopper (Zonocerus variegatus) Consumption in Kano State Metropolis, Nigeria

Entomophagy is the term used to describe eating or utilization of insects for food or feed. A study was conducted to evaluate the proximate composition and consumers’ perception on grasshopper consumption as nutrient source. Structured questionnaires were administered in some selected Markets in Kano Municipal and Nassarawa local Government areas of Kano State. Sixty (60) Grasshopper consumers were randomly selected and the proximate composition and nutritional potential of edible grasshopper was collected. Data were collected and analyzed using descriptive analysis and results were presented in percentages and frequency distribution. Grasshopper has 6.0% crude protein and 58% carbohydrates. Majority of the people (66.6%) eats grasshopper among which are females (56%), married (60%) and youths (38.3%) are the dominant consumers of grasshopper. Hot water (36.7%) and salt water (18.3%) were the prominent pre-treatment methods used by the processors. On metal toxicity knowledge, about 56% of the respondents were aware of its effects and 50% have experienced some ailments while 50% reported vomiting as the common ailment. Conclusively, a lot of Hausa people residing in Kano Metropolis among other tribes accepted grasshopper as food, while females and youths are the dominant actors. It is therefore recommended that people should be sensitized on the modern rearing methods of grasshopper and the risks in wild harvested grasshopper especially pesticides contamination. More so, there is need to explore on the sources of the grasshopper sold in the markets.

Exploring Hausa Cuisine for Diabetes Management: Towards a Culinary Solution

This paper explores the rich tradition of Hausa cuisine and its potential role in managing diabetes, focusing on traditional medicinal foods used by the Hausa people. Drawing from the abundant natural resources surrounding them, the Hausa people have long relied on a holistic approach to health, incorporating various trees, plants, roots, and herbs into their diet. Traditional remedies often blur the line between food and medicine, reflecting the Hausa belief that dietary choices play a crucial role in overall health. Through an extensive examination of traditional Hausa foods and their therapeutic effects on diabetes, this paper provides insights into potential culinary solutions for managing the condition. From fresh moringa leaves to baobab fruits, from hibiscus to fish and local fowls, the paper explores a wide range of traditional remedies used by the Hausa people to alleviate symptoms of diabetes. Furthermore, the paper discusses the harmful types of foods that diabetics should avoid and highlights non-harmful foods beneficial for diabetes management. By shedding light on the intricate relationship between Hausa cuisine and diabetes management, this paper contributes to our understanding of traditional medicinal practices and offers avenues for further research and exploration.

The Use of Hausanized Arabic Words in Hausa Poetry: A Study of Professor Aliyu Muhammad Bunza's "EKOWAS ba mu Yarda da Yaƙi ba"

Allah the Almighty chose the Arabic language to be an immortal language among the ancient Semitic languages, and perhaps the secret is that it is the language of His clear book, and the language of His eternal message. History clear that there are religious and economic ties between the Arab countries and West Africa from since a long time ago, but historians mentioned that the Arabic language began to penetrate into the countries of West Africa through the trade that was taking place between the Arab countries and those quarters since the eleventh century AD, and as for the primacy of the Arabic language in Kanem Bornu and Hausa lands, as there were frequent narrations that it entered by Arab Muslim merchants through peace, so the people accepted Islam in their Arabic language since that era, until the Arabic language in those countries became the language of culture, writing, speeches, teaching, and even an official language before British colonialism. So this eloquent interest in the Arabic language left its far-reaching impact on the Hausa people, even their poetry, as you do not find a Hausa poet except that he borrowed in his poetry Arabic vocabulary that the Hausa people obsessed with, and among these poets is the poet Professor Aliyu Muhammad Bunza. From this point of view, this haste is an analytical linguistic study of a phenomenon of sociolinguistics titled: The use of Hausanized Arabic words in Hausa poetry: A case study of Professor Aliyu Muhammad Bunza's Poem "Ekowas ba mu yarda da Yaƙi ba". The importance of this article appears to be that, it is an applied, analytical linguistic study that would clarify the pioneering role played by the Arabic language in developing and expanding the vocabulary of the Hausa language, especially among poets.

Survey of Hausa Traditional Fish Fence Usage in Zamfara, North-West Nigeria

Artisanal fishing is a traditional occupation that exists among the Hausa people of Zamfara state, North-West Nigeria. This is made possible due to the presence of water resources which vary both in form and size. The region is blessed with six (6) rivers that traverse through it. These rivers are tributaries that emptied their volume of water into river Niger. These rivers become filled up with water during the rainy season and sometimes overflow their banks so much so that the floodplain areas of the state become over flooded, including the lakes that are found around Shikafi, Bakura and Gummi areas. The notable lakes in Zamfara include the Tafkin Jenna in Zurmi, the Nato in Bakura, the Saru Lake in Gummi and the Kalale Lake in Ɗangulbi of Maru Local Government. These lakes aside, the state is blessed with other smaller lakes and manmade water reservoirs, notable of which is the Bakalori dam of Maradun. The availability of these fishing grounds made it possible for a section of the population to engage in artisanal fishing as a means of sustenance for their livelihoods. The Zamfara fishermen make use of numerous techniques to enhance their catch. This paper is an attempt to explore the techniques of fishing fences, especially their type, construction and efficacy in enhancing catch. Through surveys and trips to selected fishing grounds, the paper concludes that traditional fishing fences form part of greater ways by which the fishermen enhance catch, especially during the dry season when the lakes’ water level has drastically reduced in volume due to the elapse of rain coupled with the effects of dry winds of the Winter (Harmattan) season which sets in around November through to February of each year.

The Role of ʿAjamī in Hausa Literary Production

Abstract Islamic education and literacy were present in Hausaland long before the jihad of Usman ɗan Fodio, which culminated in the establishment of the Sokoto Caliphate in 1804. While ʿAjamī made its way into Hausaland with the spread of Islam, its use today is not limited to sacred or religious texts. In fact, it serves as a medium for the diffusion of information through newspapers, personal correspondence, political and advertising signage, poetry, and even currency notes. At the same time, the Islamic values that inform Hausa culture are an integral aspect of these materials. Over time, Hausa scholars adapted the Warsh-based Arabic script to the particularities of the Hausa language, resulting in Hausa ʿAjamī’s enriched inventory of characters and diacritics. The ʿAjamī tradition remains strong and widespread, as shown in our collection of 20 manuscripts, most from the 20th century, that highlight a range of personal qualities valued by the Hausa people.

Utilization of Fish in Some Hausa Folk Medicine

Hausa land is blessed with abundant water bodies in the forms of rivers, natural and man-made lakes, and ponds. These water bodies are teeming with freshwater fish. The availability of these fishery resources has led to the habitation of people whose main occupation is harnessing these resources in Hausa land. These people are professionally known as the Sarkawa. The Sarkawa's primary occupation is fishing and hunting aquatic animals that inhabit the waters. The practice of traditional healing is not alien to the Hausa people. It is an old practice that was used even before the Hausa people came into contact with foreign civilizations from the east or the west. In Hausa society, practitioners of various traditional occupations play a pivotal role in the traditional healthcare delivery system. They often resort to the use of herbs, such as roots, bark, stems, and leaves, as some of the ingredients in their remedies. Parts of animals are also used for the treatment of ailments and diseases. Fish and fishery products also form part of the ingredients used in Hausa traditional healing. This paper, therefore, seeks to explore the uses of fish in Hausa's traditional healing practices. Through a survey, different practitioners of traditional healing were sampled and interviewed to obtain information from them regarding the usage of fish as medicine or as an ingredient in the treatment of various ailments. This paper has revealed that Hausa professional fishermen are knowledgeable in the use of fish as medicine for the cure of diseases and ailments that afflict human beings. They also offer their health services to those who seek their assistance.

Hausa-Ajami Poetry in the Study of the Sokoto Caliphate: The Anatomy of Wallahi-Wallahi

One of the important intellectual legacies left by the founding fathers of the Sokoto Caliphate was Hausa Ajami literary tradition through poetry. Poetry has been used by the Sokoto Ulama and their lieutenants as a mechanism through which Islamic knowledge was transmitted to the Muslim community, considering the fact that a large number of Hausa people could not understand Arabic language fluently. In the poem, the Shehu exonerates himself for acting unjustly, and accuses the Habe rulers for advocating political corruption and social injustice, which are contrary to the Islamic Shari’ah. In this paper, an attempt has been made to examine the authorship controversy, reasons for the poem and the lessons learnt from it. It is the position of the paper that the teachings of the poem will play a significant role in reducing the rate of political corruption and social injustice in our societies if put into consideration.

Joking Relationship (Wasan Barkwanci) in Hausa: A Tool for National Integration in Nigeria

Joking relationships meaning; Wasan Barkwanci or Taubasantaka in the Hausa language is a Hausa term referring to different forms of joking relationships, a cultural phenomenon that is played both among the Hausa people and to some extent, their neighbors. Joking relationships in their simple form exist between people who share kinship relationships. Prior to the British conquest of Hausa states and the subsequent imposition of colonial rule in the early part of the 19th century, notable Hausa states waged interstate wars of conquest for territorial expansion and gaining access and control of trading routes, to further enhance their revenue drive and economic viability. The British however halted these wars as a result of which peace prevailed and this brought about stability among the states. During peacetime, a joking relationship sprung up between the people of the warring states. Culturally, practitioners of similar but different occupations do engage in jokes between themselves, each claiming superiority, prestige, and worthiness of their trade over another. Culture being a dynamic phenomenon, joking relations as it relates to trade groups, were shifted to incorporate people who undertake the practice of new occupations that were introduced as a result of the contact between the British overloads and their Hausa subjects. Hence, joking relationships exist between masons and carpenters, between drivers and People who transport goods using camel. The main feature of these joking relationships is that the persons who engage in it are automatically related to one another such that one is entitled to say and do things to another without offence, which ordinarily when said or done to a different person will generate quarrels and misunderstandings. This paper is an attempt to examine this cultural phenomenon and its efficacy in bringing about harmonious relationships and social integration of Hausa people and their neighbors, which if properly harnessed will bring about national integration.

HANDSHAKE ACROSS THE NIGER: A STUDY OF LINGUISTIC OUTCOME IN YORÙBÁ-HAUSA CONTACT

This paper examined the relationship between the Yoruba people of South-western Nigeria and the Hausa people of Northern Nigeria within the scope of linguistics. The objective of this paper is to analyze the relationship that exists between these two tribes using linguistic evidence which include analysis of Yoruba borrowed words from Hausa language and Hausa related Yoruba proverbs and proverbial expressions. This work is descriptive in nature and data were gathered from existing literature and from ideal native speakers of Yoruba language with the aid of selected Hausa language helpers. The research findings revealed that Yoruba borrowed words from Hausa language can be classified into two classes which are Alternative borrowing and Non-alternative borrowing. It also discovered that Hausa related Yoruba proverbs and proverbial expressions can be classified to Derogatory Hausa related proverbs which show some form of hate speech and Non-derogatory Hausa related Yoruba proverbs.

Gudunmuwar Marubuta Waƙoƙin Hausa ga Sha’anin Zaman Lafiya

The role of Hausa written poetry in the life of Hausa people can never be over-emphasized. Besides leisure, it gives courage, and determination, and leads to a better way of life. It touches almost all aspects of human endeavor, which includes culture, religion, politics, socialization, knowledge, economics, love of one another, peace and conflict resolution, among others. The aim of this paper is to analyze some Hausa written poetry as regards peace and conflict resolution and see how they contribute to drawing people’s attention and educating them on resolution, peacemaking and peacekeeping, and the effects of crisis according to the tradition of Hausa. Therefore, the paper will peep through some selected written verses that address peace and conflict resolution.

니제르 하우사족의 문화적 특성과 선교 고찰

아프리카는 한 나라가 아니라 54개국으로 형성된 대륙이며, 인구는 14억이나 되는 곳이며 2,000여 종족이 사는 대륙이다. 그중 하우사족은 니제르와 나이지리아 국경 지역에 주로 거주하는 민족이다. 이 지역은 유럽 제국주의자들이 이 지역을 하우사랜드라 할 정도로 많은 하우사 사람들이 거주하는 곳이다. 이들은 내전과 기근으로 삶의 터전을 찾아 니제르에 정착했으며, 철저하게 종교와 전통, 문화적 틀을 갖고 지내고 있다.BR 하우사족은 여러 지역에 흩어져 있어 다양성을 지닌 것 같아도 실질적으로 하나의 공동체로 묶여 있는, 단일 문화를 지닌 종족이다. 이들의 문화는 서아프리카의 다른 종족들과 마찬가지로 창조신화에 근거한 삶의 철학과 세계관을 형성함으로써 문화를 구축하고 있다. 이들의 문화에는 역사적으로 종교를 동반한 침략자들에 의해 침략자인 이슬람 문화가 일부 전승되기도 했다. 하지만 하우사족 공동체에서 갖는 통과의례는 여전히 존속되고 있다.BR 본 고에서는 프랑스권에 여러 종족 언어가 섞여 있는 니제르의 다양한 종족 가운데 하나인 하우사족의 독특한 문화와 전통적 삶을 고찰하고자 한다. 하우사족은 인종주의·민족주의가 매우 강하고, 상위계층 부류의 사람들이 철저한 종교적 의식을 갖고 생활하고 있다. 이들은 전통적 문화를 계승하는 것이 미래의 희망이고 이슬람교 문명을 확장하는 것으로 여긴다. 본고를 시작으로 니제르 공화국의 하우사족과 관련된 연구가 앞으로 계속 이어져 심도있는 연구결과를 통해 보다 더 좋은 선교방안을 모색해 본다.

CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES OF DIVORCE AMONG HAUSA COMMUNITY OF SOKOTO STATE

The aim of this study is to examine the Causes and Consequences of Divorce among Hausa Community of Sokoto State. Every society in the history of man has upheld the institution of marriage as a bond between a man and a woman, and is seen as the basis for the establishment of the family, it could be in the form of arrangement by relatives, but the most common form of marriage is that which involves the payment of “Bride-Price”. The general objective of this research is to find out the implication of divorce among Hausa of Sokoto State. However, the research specifically, aimed at determining the causes and Consequences of divorce among Hausas in the study area, as well as assessing the implications of divorce among Hausas in the study area. Based on the research findings, there are several factors associated with divorce among the Hausa community of Sokoto State, such as Criminal and non-Criminal Social Problems, differences in priority between husband and self-interpretative issue, which a lot of husbands and wives discuss and anticipate prior to the marriage contract. The qualitative method was adapted for the study. From all the respondent, majority peoples of 66 (57.9%) respondents believe in divorce affect the academic performance of children, another larger percentage (42.1%) of the respondents although lesser than those who believe this in accordance with Bascon and Hersksvits (1990), argued that the implication of this tendency is that the father-child relationship assumes a greater emphasis in society than the mother-child relationship. The Causes of divorce among Hausa people of Rijiya Area Sokoto State. Majority of the respondents believe that Lack of proper upbringing leads to divorce with 35 (30.4%) respondent who strongly agreed to this fact while a larger percentage (48.7%) of the respondents agreed. However, unanticipated matters at times do become a major problem for many marriages.

An overview of Wanzanchi: The Traditional Surgeons of the Hausas, a culture historic perspective of Jos North Plateau State Nigeria.

The aim of this research is to document the history and cultural practices around Wanzanchi, with emphasis on the significant roles it plays in the Hausa community. This is achieved through the collection and documentation of oral tradition on the history, origin, development, impact as well as the value of the craft as an aspect of the culture history of the Hausa people and to study the material culture involved in the activities of Wazan and to document the cultural practices around it.

The Impact of Cultural Imperialism on the Hausa Culture

Imperialism is substantially a global, historical, cultural, economic, and political phenomenon. In Africa, how European imperialism has affected people continues to be subjected to debate with varying viewpoints. However, most of the literature on imperialism places greater emphasis on its political and economic dimensions, with passing discussion on its cultural aspect. This study intends to examine the impact of cultural imperialism on the Hausa people. Over the years, from pre-colonial through the colonial and post-colonial periods, Hausa cultures have been subjected to different changes due to different factors, imperialism included. Using primary and secondary sources, this study shows that the major areas of Hausa culture mostly affected by British cultural imperialism include language, culinary habits, attire, traditional sports, lifestyles, and festivities. Given the complexity of the current scholarly debate on the topic, a compilation of multiple viewpoints would be useful. In addition, the linked concepts, such as cultural imperialism and the concept of culture will be examined in depth.

Child-Rearing in Hausa Culture: A Flash into Erickson’s Psychosocial Theory of Development

Child-rearing or development is fundamental in every society and any society that cannot inculcate the spirits of child-rearing from this generation to another generation will not be a good and developed society. It is through child-rearing that children are prepared for their adulthood activities and responsibilities in their respective societies. Erick Erickson developed a general psychosocial theory that includes the interplay between psychological and cultural forces working in child development. Given this, Erickson’s concepts had a basis of validity in analyzing some Hausa socio-cultural life in respect to child-rearing, while on the other hand, his concept has no validity. It is because of this, that this paper proposes that despite the Erickson theory of development, Hausa people have their developmental schema which goes hand in hand with that of Erickson. In fact, the concept of the developmental stage is more than a Western construct indiscriminately applied to indigenous culture. The Hausa culture has its views of development that is perceived as a progressive series of stages. In each stage of life, there is an element of “tarbiya” that will enable them to produce who will carry on the family honor and tradition. In Hausa, the concept of “tarbiya” encapsulates the highest of Hausa virtues. Therefore, this paper examined and highlights some of the important issues related to child development in Hausa culture and compares them with Ericson’s theory of development.

Seeing is believing: Identifying A True Hausa Man

Hausa people are among the popular communities in Africa due to their eminence in trade, scholarship, military service such as the world wars, leadership, and politics in media/journalism, in academics, etc. These factors, however, influenced the acceptability of the Hausa Language as a good area of study in many Nigerian Universities. Hausa is also studied in American, German, Asian, and Universities. This paper concentrated more on trying to use some factors to identify who is a Hausa man? Where is he located? What are his features and behaviors? The factors used by this paper include: Place identified as Hausaland, his facial marks, his clothes or dress, his dietary habits, his physical features, his body gestures, and his uniqueness of specializing in a dangerous occupation.

The “Shi‘a factor” in Nigeria’s Public and Political Life (1994-2020): Domestic and International Dimensions

The article analyzes the influence of the Shi‘a factor on public and political life of Nigeria, the state in which the phenomenon of transformation of the religious (and more specifically, Islamic) field has been observed in the past few decades due to the growing diversity of movements and sects. In turn, the emergence of new communities contributes to the radicalization of the Islamist discourse in Nigeria and the exacerbation of intercommunal contradictions (between Sufis and Salafis, Salafis and Shiʻites). The authors identify the prerequisites and reasons for the growth in the number of followers of Shi‘a Islam in Nigeria, mainly among the Hausa people, features of political movements with Shi‘a ideology, as well as the role of Nigeria in the global Saudi-Iranian confrontation. The authors resorted to a behavioral approach and comparative analysis of the social base of the Shi‘a organization Islamic Movement of Nigeria and the Salafi Jamaʻat Izala al-Bidʻa wa Ikamat al-Sunna (Society for the Eradication of Innovation and Implementation of the Sunna). It was revealed that the key reason for the radicalization of Nigerian Muslims (living mainly in the north) was the penetration of alien ideologies into the country - radical Salafism and the political aspects of Shi‘a Islam. This was a consequence of Nigeria falling into the focus of Riyadh and Tehran, which arefighting for leadership in the Islamic world. It was established that in the case of Nigeria, Iran is inferior to Saudi Arabia, which has more significant financial capabilities and a network of non-governmental associations and foundations that promote the interests of official Riyadh in West Africa. One of the key areas where the Saudi-Iranian confrontation for the “minds and hearts” of Nigerian Muslims is unfolding is Islamic education.

Toxicity Studies on Aqueous-Methanol Pod Extract of Vigna unguiculata (Cowpea) in Wistar Strain Albino Rats

Herbal preparation of Vigna unguiculata (cowpea) pod has long been used by a group of Hausa people from northern Nigeria called Yan tauri performers and traditional healers. This study was conducted to evaluate the toxicological effect of the extract in Wistar strain albino rats using biochemical, haematological and histopathological indices of toxicity. Acute toxicity (LD50) and sub-chronic toxicity studies were determined using the method developed by OECD. Twenty-five (25) rats were grouped into five(5) consisting of five(5) rats each, one of the groups served as control., Group II, III, IV and V were orally administered with the extract at a daily dose of 400 mg/kg, 800 mg/kg, 1200 mg/kg and 1600 mg/kg of the extract, respectively for 28 days. The LD50 of the extract was greater than 5000 mg/kg and its oral administration for 28 days did not produce significant changes (P˃0.05) on biochemical and haematological indices. Histopathological evaluation revealed mild widening of Bowman’s capsule of animals administered with 1200 mg/kg and 1600 mg/kg of the extract. It can thus be concluded that the pod is non-toxic.
 Keywords: Vigna unguiculata pod, Yan tauri performers, Aqueous-methanol extract, Acute and subchronic toxicity