Nigeria People and Culture

GST 1113 Lecture: Hausa Culture (Part Two)

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify the origins of the following ethnic groups:
   • Hausa
   • Fulani
   • Kanuri
   • Nupe
2. Outline the sociopolitical organizations of these cultures.
3. Understand the Hausa culture and its components.

Hausa Culture Overview

• Culture Definition: Total way of life in an attempt to harness and conquer the environment.
• Encompasses politics, economics, language, religion, philosophy, aesthetics, etc.

Hausa Geographical Distribution

• Predominantly in Northwestern Nigeria.
• Substantially islamized before the Sokoto Jihad of 1804 (Smith, 1965).
• Distinction made between Pagan and Muslim Hausa during the Jihad.

Historical Background

• Origins: Groupings of various peoples through conquest and assimilation.
• Legends: Claim descent from Bayajidda (or Abu Yazid), a hero from Baghdad.
  • Married the daughter of the king in Kanem but fled due to conflict.
  • Killed an evil snake in Daura, enabling him to marry the queen.
• Hausa States: Founded the seven Hausa states - Biram, Baga, Kano, Zaria, Katsina, Rano, Daura, Gobir.

Sociopolitical Organization

• Pagan Hausa: Small villages, exogamous patrilineal kin, worshiped natural spirits (Isoki).
• Muslim Hausa: Large centralized systems, advanced technologies, and economy (leatherwork, cloth making, etc.).

Influence of Islam

• Success of Shehu Usman Dan Fodio's Jihad in the early 19th century led to the Sokoto Caliphate.
• Introduction of sociopolitical institutions influenced by Islam in the 14th and 15th centuries.
• Titles and roles introduced: Alkali (judge), Zakat (tax on income), Jangali (tax on livestock), Galadima (senior counselor), etc.

Key Figures and Political Structure

• Sarki: Head of Hausa state, both political and religious leader, supported by a council.
• Significant Developments: Enhanced positions such as Sarki of Kano becoming a significant title (Sarkin Kasar).
• Judicial and fiscal systems influenced by Islam.

Prominent Hausa States in the 15th Century

• The rulers of Kano, Zazzau (Zaria), and Katsina had integrated Islam into their sociopolitical and economic systems.

Review Questions

1. Figure Representation Question: Likely depicts the hero Bayajidda fighting the evil snake.
2. Sokoto Caliphate Boundaries: Bounded by Gobir to the NW, Borno to the NE, and extended to old Oyo in the south.