The Nupe people, traditionally known as the Nupawa by the Hausas and Tapa by the Yoruba, are an ethnic group native to the Middle Belt region of Nigeria. They are the dominant ethnic group in Niger State and an important minority in Kwara State.
With a history spanning over a thousand years, the Nupe have developed a unique blend of traditional and Islamic practices. Known for their skilled craftsmanship, agricultural expertise, and festive celebrations, the Nupe people proudly maintain their cultural identity while embracing modernization.
Map of Nigeria showing the location of Niger State, where the Nupe people are predominantly found.
Origins and History
The origins of the Nupe trace back to Tsoede, a significant figure who fled the court of Idah and established a loose confederation of towns along the Niger River in the 15th century. The Nupe trace their origins back to Tsoede, an Igala prince from Idah during the 15th century. This strategic location facilitated interactions with neighboring ethnic groups, notably the Yoruba Igbomina to the south and the Yoruba Oyo to the southwest.
The Nupe Kingdom emerged in the 14th-15th century, nestled between the Niger and Kaduna rivers. The Nupe state was brought about by conquest. The Nupe Kingdom was brought about by conquest, with Igala leader Tsoede taking on the title of Etsu (king) and uniting neighboring tribes by conquest.
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The late 18th century and early 19th century was a period marked by instability, with two Etsus, Jimanda and Majiya II, competing for the throne in the 1790s, and the continued Fulani conquest in the 1820s. In 1796, when two rival Etsu, Jimada and Majiya II, claimed the throne. The Nupe continued in a period of political instability throughout the early 19th century.
The Etsu Jibiri adopted Islam around 1770, due to the Fulani's conquest coming from the north. The first Islamic Nupe king ruled around 1770, and the Fulani conquest that occurred in stages around 1820 was even more influential. Muslims have had a big effect on the Nupe people.
The Bida Emirate was part of the English colony in Nigeria until Nigeria won it's independence in 1960.
Location and Population
With an estimated population of around 4.5 million, the Nupe are primarily concentrated in Niger State but also inhabit parts of Kwara, Kogi, and the Federal Capital Territory. There are probably about 4.5 million Nupes, principally in Niger State. The Nupe language is also spoken in Kwara, Kogi and Federal Capital Territory.
The Nupe are occupying around 6,950 square miles of lowland in the Niger Basin. They are scattered over several states in west-central and northern Nigeria, but most of them live in Niger State. A sizeable number also lives in Kwara and Kogi states as well as in the Federal Capital Territory.
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Specifically, approximately 800,000 Nupe people reside in Niger State, particularly in the Bida, Lapai and Agaie Local Government Areas. In Kwara State, around 300,000 Nupe people reside there, mainly in the Patigi, Lafiagi and Edu Local Government Areas. About 200,000 Nupe people live in Kogi State, primarily in the Lokoja, Koton-Karfe, and Mope-Muro Local Government Areas. A significant number of Nupe people also live in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Language
Their linguistic heritage is marked by the Nupe language, a testament to their enduring cultural identity. Today, the Nupe people speak over 5 dialects: Central Nupe, Nupe Tako/Bassa-Nge, Kupa, Kakanda, and Dibo/Abawa/Gana-Gana. The Nupe language, also known as Nupe-Nupe-Tako, is a member of the Nupoid branch of the Niger-Congo language family.
Nupe is related most closely to Gbari and Kakanda in structure and vocabulary. There is a remarkable difference in the language tone of the Nupe people, that distinguishes individual’s location in the zonal distribution of Nupe people. For instance, Nupe people around Lafiagi/Pategi and Bacita have a distinct tone from others. Similarly, the tone of Nupes from Lapai is clearly different from that of others from other zones.
Culture and Traditions
Nupe culture is rich and diverse, though many traditional practices have evolved or diminished over time, mainly due to the influences of the Sokoto jihad. Nupe culture is rich in tradition and customs, with a strong emphasis on agriculture, fishing, and craftsmanship.
Among the enduring customs are the tribal marks often seen on the faces of Nupe individuals. Many Nupe people often have tribal marks on their faces, some to identify their prestige and the family of which they belong as well as for protection, and adornment as jewellery. These marks serve various purposes, from denoting family lineage and prestige to providing protection.
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The Etsu Nupe, the traditional ruler of Bida, symbolizes its storied past. The Etsu Nupe is the paramount ruler and the most significant traditional authority among the Nupe people. The title “Etsu” denotes a king or chief, and the Etsu Nupe holds considerable influence over the Nupe kingdom.
The succession to the Etsu Nupe throne is hereditary, typically passing within specific ruling families. However, the selection of the Etsu involves consultation with kingmakers, who are senior members of the Nupe aristocracy. The Etsu Nupe is responsible for maintaining law and order, overseeing traditional ceremonies, and serving as the custodian of Nupe culture and traditions.
The Nupe people have a distinctive and elaborate marriage system that reflects their rich cultural heritage. The process begins with courtship, where families play an active role in identifying suitable partners for their children. Once a match is found, the groom’s family visits the bride’s family to express their intentions.
The bride price, called “Sharo,” is a critical component of the Nupe marriage system. It consists of gifts and money presented by the groom’s family to the bride’s family. Several pre-wedding ceremonies take place, including “Kukan Tsafa” (making of the marriage list) and “Saduwa” (betrothal). These ceremonies involve the exchange of gifts, prayers, and the formal agreement of the wedding date.
On the wedding day, a series of rituals and celebrations occur. The groom, accompanied by his friends and family, visits the bride’s home, where prayers and blessings are offered. The couple is then taken to the mosque for the “Nikkah” (Islamic marriage ceremony) if they are Muslims. After the wedding, the bride is often given advice and blessings by the older women in her family. This ceremony, known as “Gaisuwa,” emphasizes her new responsibilities and the expectations of her new family.
Nupe people in traditional attire.
Religion
The Nupe are primarily Muslims, with a few Christians and followers of African Traditional Religion. They are primarily Muslims, with some Christians and followers of African Traditional Religion.
The Nupe people believe in a supreme being, " Soko ", who is considered the creator and sustainer of life. They reverence ancestral spirits, " Etsu ", who are believed to influence daily life and destiny. The Nupe people also believe in nature spirits, " Ndaei ", associated with rivers, forests, and other natural phenomena.
Islam was introduced to the Nupe people in the 18th century, many Nupe people blend Islamic practices with traditional beliefs, creating a unique syncretic religion. Some Nupe people follow Islamic practices like prayers, fasting, and pilgrimage to Mecca. Christianity was introduced to the Nupe people, with some converting to Christianity.
Art and Music
Nupe art is renowned for its abstract qualities. Nupe art is renowned for its intricate designs and craftsmanship. They are especially famous for their intricately carved wooden stools, which feature detailed patterns and designs.
Music and dance are integral to Nupe culture. Nupe traditional music is sung by the Ningba, or musician(s), while the Enyanicizhi beats the drum. Traditional instruments like the “Kakaki” (long trumpet) and “Kora” (stringed instrument) are used in various ceremonies.
Burtu wooden mask, used during bird hunting; Museum of Ethnology, Vienna.
Traditional Occupations and Economy
The Nupe traditional occupations include mostly farming, fishing, woodcarvings, pottery, weaving, blacksmithing, leatherwork, hunting, herding and trading. The Nupe live in large villages or towns called ezi. Small settlements are called tunga or kangi, words that signify a "daughter-settlement" of a village or town.
The people are active farmers. Major crops grown are rice, sorghum, sugar cane, millet, melon, vegetables, yam, homestead livestock management and fishing. The large proportion of seasonally flooded (fadama) land has allowed a greater emphasis on growing rice, sugarcane, and onions.
There are many fishermen in the villages on the banks of the Niger and Kaduna rivers and their tributaries. Food processing is entirely done by women. However, many people are civil servants, employed in government establishments only.
Some of the cottage industries that are simple income-generation avenues to Nupe people are traditional soap making, blacksmithing, brass work, wood work, tailoring and cooperative engagements.
Food
The Nupe tribe has a diverse and flavorful cuisine, reflecting their agricultural and fishing traditions. A major staple food that is common to many households in Nupe land is rice. This is prepared either as joloff rice or in the form of “eje boci” (mashed) rice.
Some of their staple foods and dishes include: Tuwo (corn or rice flour porridge), Akara (fried bean cakes), Eba ( thick corn or cassava flour paste), fufu, rice, yams, plantains etc. Popular dishes like Kuli-Kuli (roasted peanut snack), Dakuwa ( roasted maize snack ), Gbagba (stewed meat or fish with vegetables), suya etc are also part of the Nupe cuisine.
Festivals
The Nupe celebrates several festivals throughout the year, each with its unique significance. The Nupe tribe celebrates various festivals throughout the year, showcasing their rich cultural heritage. One of the most notable is the Gani festival, a time of great celebration marked by music, dance, and elaborate masquerades.
The Etsu Nupe festival, honors the king and showcases cultural performances, masquerades, and traditional music. Kiri Gani festival celebrates the beginning of the harvest season with music, dance, and feasting. A spiritual festival known as the Boring festival honors the gods and ancestors with rituals, sacrifices, and masquerades. Yam festival celebrates the yam harvest with feasting, music, and dance.
These festivals promote unity, cultural preservation, and social bonding among the Nupe people.
Challenges and Modernization
Today, the Nupe people continue to navigate the complexities of modern Nigerian society while striving to preserve their rich cultural heritage. Despite the unique history of the Nupes, they have not had fare sharing in national development. The commonest occupation in Nupe land is teaching.
Nigeria is a hard place to live. There are constant displays of violence. An al-Qaeda ally, the Boko Haram routinely kidnaps young girls and ravages towns.
Despite the challenges, the Nupe people exemplify the resilience and dynamism of ethnic identities in West Africa.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Primarily Niger State, Nigeria; also Kwara, Kogi, and FCT |
| Population | Approximately 4.5 million |
| Language | Nupe (Nupoid branch of Niger-Congo family) |
| Religion | Primarily Muslim, with some Christians and followers of African Traditional Religion |
| Traditional Occupations | Farming, fishing, craftsmanship (wood carving, pottery, weaving) |
| Notable Festivals | Gani festival, Etsu Nupe festival, Kiri Gani festival |
| Traditional Ruler | Etsu Nupe of Bida |
