Nigeria is a country that boasts of a rich and diverse cultural heritage. With over 250 ethnic groups and 500 languages, Nigeria is a melting pot of traditions, customs, and identities. Each tribe has its own history, beliefs, values, and practices that make it unique and fascinating. In this article, we will explore some of the major tribes in Nigeria and their states, as well as their cultural marvels that will leave you in awe.
Hausa-Fulani
The Hausa-Fulani are the largest ethnic group in Nigeria, comprising about 29% of the population. They are predominantly found in the northern region of the country, especially in the states of Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kaduna, Jigawa, Kebbi, Bauchi, Gombe, and Yobe. They are also present in some parts of Niger, Cameroon, Chad, and Ghana.
The Hausa-Fulani are a fusion of two distinct but related groups: the Hausa and the Fulani. The Hausa are the original inhabitants of the region, who established several city-states and kingdoms from the 10th to the 18th centuries. The Fulani are a nomadic pastoralist group, who migrated from the Futa Jalon region of West Africa and conquered the Hausa lands in the early 19th century, under the leadership of Usman dan Fodio. The Fulani established the Sokoto Caliphate, which became one of the largest and most powerful Islamic empires in Africa.
The Hausa-Fulani are mainly Muslims, and Islam is a key component of their ethnic identity and culture. They speak Hausa, which is the most widely spoken language in Nigeria and a lingua franca in West Africa. They also speak Fulfulde, which is the native language of the Fulani. The Hausa-Fulani are known for their arts and crafts, such as pottery, leatherwork, weaving, dyeing, embroidery, and metalwork. They are also famous for their architecture, which features mud houses with elaborate decorations and mosques with minarets and domes.
Some of the cultural marvels of the Hausa-Fulani include:
- The Emir’s Palace in Kano, which is the residence of the traditional ruler of Kano and a symbol of the Hausa-Fulani culture and history. The palace dates back to the 15th century and has been renovated and expanded over the years. It contains several courtyards, halls, chambers, and mosques, as well as a museum that showcases the artifacts and relics of the Kano emirate.
- The Durbar Festival, is a ceremonial parade of horsemen, musicians, dancers, and acrobats, that takes place during religious and cultural occasions, such as Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and the coronation of a new emir. The festival is a display of the Hausa-Fulani’s martial prowess, loyalty, and royalty, and attracts thousands of spectators and tourists.
- The Argungu Fishing Festival, is an annual event that celebrates the end of the farming season and the peace between the Hausa and the Kabawa people of Kebbi state. The festival involves a four-day competition of fishing, canoe racing, swimming, wrestling, and cultural performances. The highlight of the festival is the fishing contest, where thousands of fishermen enter the Argungu River and try to catch the biggest fish using traditional nets and gourds.
Yoruba
The Yoruba are the second largest ethnic group in Nigeria, comprising about 21% of the population. They are mainly found in the southwestern region of the country, especially in the states of Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, and Kwara. They are also present in some parts of Benin, Togo, and Sierra Leone.
The Yoruba are one of the oldest and most influential ethnic groups in Nigeria, who trace their origin to the mythical city of Ile-Ife, where they believe the world was created by the supreme god Olodumare. The Yoruba have a rich and complex history, marked by the rise and fall of several kingdoms and empires, such as the Oyo, Ife, Ijebu, Egba, and Ekiti. The Yoruba also played a significant role in the Atlantic slave trade, as both victims and agents.
The Yoruba are predominantly Christians, but they also practice Islam and traditional religions, which involve the worship of various deities and ancestors, known as orishas. They speak Yoruba, which is one of the most widely spoken languages in Nigeria and a major literary language in Africa. The Yoruba are renowned for their arts and culture, such as sculpture, painting, carving, beadwork, textile, music, dance, and drama. They are also known for their social and political institutions, such as the chieftaincy system, the age-grade system, and the secret societies.
Some of the cultural marvels of the Yoruba include:
- The Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, is a forest reserve that contains several shrines, sculptures, and artworks dedicated to the goddess of the Osun river, who is one of the most revered orishas among the Yoruba. The grove is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place of pilgrimage and festival for the Yoruba and other devotees of Osun.
- The Oba’s Palace in Benin City, is the residence of the traditional ruler of the Edo people, who are a subgroup of the Yoruba. The palace is a masterpiece of architecture and art, dating back to the 13th century and featuring several courtyards, halls, galleries, and museums. The palace is also home to the famous Benin bronzes, which are metal sculptures and plaques that depict the history and culture of the Edo kingdom.
- The Eyo Festival, which is a masquerade festival that takes place in Lagos, the largest city and former capital of Nigeria. The festival is a tribute to the spirit of the dead and a celebration of the cultural heritage of the Lagosians, who are mostly of Yoruba origin. The festival involves thousands of masked performers, known as Eyo, who dress in white robes and hats and carry staffs. The festival is a spectacle of color, music, and dance, and attracts millions of visitors and tourists.
Igbo
The Igbo are the third largest ethnic group in Nigeria, comprising about 18% of the population. They are mainly found in the southeastern region of the country, especially in the states of Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Abia, and Ebonyi. They are also present in some parts of Delta, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom states.
The Igbo are one of the most ancient and diverse ethnic groups in Nigeria, who have a variety of subgroups and dialects. The Igbo have a long and turbulent history, marked by the migration, colonization, and resistance of various peoples and powers. The Igbo also suffered greatly during the Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, which was a secessionist attempt by the Igbo-dominated region of Biafra from 1967 to 1970.
The Igbo are predominantly Christians, but they also practice traditional religions, which involve the belief in a supreme god called Chukwu, as well as various spirits and ancestors, known as alusi. They speak Igbo, which is one of the official languages of Nigeria and a major literary language in Africa. The Igbo are famous for their arts and crafts, such as pottery, wood carving, bronze casting, weaving, and basketry. They are also known for their music, dance, and masquerade, which reflect their social and religious values.
Some of the cultural marvels of the Igbo include:
- The Arochukwu Long Juju Cave, is a sacred site that was used as a shrine and oracle by the Aro people, who are a subgroup of the Igbo. The cave is a natural wonder that contains several chambers, tunnels, and waterfalls, as well as carvings, paintings, and artifacts that depict the history and culture of the Aro kingdom. The cave is also a place of mystery and legend, as it was believed to be the entrance to the underworld, where the god of thunder, Ibini Ukpabi, resided.
- The Nsukka Art School, is a movement of contemporary artists who emerged from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in the 1970s and 1980s. The Nsukka artists are known for their innovative and experimental use of various media, such as uli, a traditional Igbo body and wall painting, nsibidi, a secret Igbo writing system, and adire, a tie-dye textile. The Nsukka artists are also known for their social and political commentary, as well as their exploration of Igbo identity and culture.
- The New Yam Festival, which is an annual event that marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the harvest season. The festival is a thanksgiving and celebration of the bounty and blessings of the land, as well as a tribute to the ancestors and gods. The festival involves the offering and eating of the new yam, which is the staple food of the Igbo, as well as various rituals, performances, and competitions.
Other Tribes
Apart from the Hausa-Fulani, the Yoruba, and the Igbo, there are many other tribes in Nigeria that have their own states, languages, cultures, and histories. Some of these tribes are:
- Ijaw: The Ijaw are the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria, comprising about 10% of the population. They are mainly found in the Niger Delta region, especially in the states of Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Ondo. They are also present in some parts of Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea. The Ijaw are one of the oldest and most diverse ethnic groups in Nigeria, who trace their origin to the ancient ORU or (H)ORU people, who existed 5,000 years before the neighboring language groups. The Ijaw have a long and complex history, marked by the migration, colonization, and resistance of various peoples and powers. The Ijaw also played a significant role in the Nigerian Civil War, as they supported the Biafran cause and suffered massive casualties and displacement. The Ijaw are predominantly Christians, but they also practice traditional religions, which involve the belief in a supreme god called Tamuno, as well as various spirits and ancestors, known as Owuamapu. They speak Ijaw, which is a Niger-Congo language with several dialects and variations. The Ijaw are famous for their arts and culture, such as canoe carving, mask making, music, dance, and folklore. They are also known for their environmental activism and struggle for resource control and self-determination.
Some of the cultural marvels of the Ijaw include:
- The Ijaw National Museum, which is a museum that showcases the history and culture of the Ijaw people, as well as their contributions to the Nigerian nation. The museum is located in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa state, and contains several exhibits, artifacts, and relics that depict the Ijaw’s way of life, religion, art, and politics.
- The Oloibiri Oil Well, is the first oil well in Nigeria, where crude oil was discovered in 1956 by Shell-BP. The oil well is located in Oloibiri, a small town in Bayelsa state, and is a symbol of the Ijaw’s involvement in the oil industry and the Niger Delta crisis. The oil well is also a tourist attraction and a historical monument, as it marks the beginning of Nigeria’s oil boom and dependence.
- The Ijaw Festival, is an annual event that celebrates the culture and identity of the Ijaw people, as well as their unity and solidarity. The festival involves various activities, such as boat regatta, cultural display, masquerade, carnival, and awards. The festival is also a platform for the Ijaw to voice their grievances and demands, as well as to promote peace and development in the Niger Delta region.
- Kanuri: The Kanuri are the fifth largest ethnic group in Nigeria, comprising about 4% of the population. They are mainly found in the northeastern region of the country, especially in the states of Borno, Yobe, and Jigawa. They are also present in some parts of Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and Sudan. The Kanuri are one of the most ancient and influential ethnic groups in Nigeria, who trace their origin to the Kanem-Bornu Empire, which was one of the largest and longest-lasting empires in Africa, spanning from the 9th to the 19th centuries. The Kanuri have a rich and complex history, marked by the rise and fall of several dynasties and kingdoms, such as the Sefuwa, the Sayfawa, the Duguwa, and the El-Kanemi. The Kanuri also played a significant role in the spread of Islam and trade in West Africa, as well as in the resistance against the British colonial rule. The Kanuri are predominantly Muslims, and Islam is a key component of their ethnic identity and culture. They speak Kanuri, which is a Nilo-Saharan language with several dialects and variations. The Kanuri are known for their arts and culture, such as leatherwork, embroidery, pottery, music, dance, and poetry. They are also known for their social and political institutions, such as the Mai (king), the Shehu (emir), the Shettima (governor), and the Bulama (chief).
Some of the cultural marvels of the Kanuri include:
- The Shehu’s Palace in Maiduguri, is the residence of the traditional ruler of the Kanuri people and the head of the Borno Emirate. The palace is a masterpiece of architecture and art, dating back to the 19th century and featuring several courtyards, halls, chambers, and mosques. The palace is also home to the Shehu’s library, which contains thousands of manuscripts and books on various subjects, such as history, religion, law, and medicine.
- The Lake Chad Basin National Park, is a national park that covers the Lake Chad basin, which is one of the largest wetlands in Africa and a vital source of water and livelihood for the Kanuri and other ethnic groups. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a biodiversity hotspot, as it hosts a variety of flora and fauna, such as elephants, lions, hippos, crocodiles, birds, and fish. The park is also a place of cultural and historical significance, as it contains several archaeological and historical sites, such as the Borno capital of Ngazargamu, the Kanem capital of Njimi, and the Daima mound settlements.
- The Sallah Festival, which is an annual event that marks the end of the Ramadan fasting and the celebration of the Eid al-Fitr. The festival is a display of the Kanuri’s Islamic faith and culture, as well as their royalty and nobility. The festival involves the Shehu’s procession from the palace to the central mosque, where he leads the prayer and delivers the sermon. The festival also involves the Durbar, which is a parade of horsemen, musicians, dancers, and acrobats, that pays homage to the Shehu and entertains the public.
- Tiv: The Tiv are the sixth largest ethnic group in Nigeria, comprising about 3.5% of the population. They are mainly found in the north-central region of the country, especially in the states of Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, and Plateau. They are also present in some parts of Cameroon and the Central African Republic. The Tiv are one of the most recent and dynamic ethnic groups in Nigeria, who migrated from the Bantu region of Central Africa in the 14th century and settled in their present location in the 17th century. The Tiv have a vibrant and flexible history, marked by the adaptation, integration, and transformation of various peoples and cultures. The Tiv also played a significant role in the Nigerian Civil War, as they resisted the Biafran secession and fought for Nigerian unity. The Tiv are predominantly Christians, but they also practice traditional religions, which involve the belief in a supreme god called Aondo, as well as various spirits and ancestors, known as akombo. They speak Tiv, which is a Niger-Congo language with several dialects and variations. The Tiv are known for their arts and culture, such as pottery, weaving, carving, music, dance, and oral literature. They are also known for their social and political institutions, such as the Tor Tiv (paramount ruler), the Ipusu (clan), the Ikyor (lineage), and the Kwagh-hir (puppet theatre).
Some of the cultural marvels of the Tiv include:
- The Tor Tiv’s Palace in Gboko, which is the residence of the traditional ruler of the Tiv people and the head of the Tiv Traditional Council. The palace is a modern and elegant building, that reflects the Tiv’s culture and identity, as well as their progress and development. The palace contains several rooms, halls, and offices, as well as a museum that showcases the artifacts and relics of the Tiv kingdom.
- The Tiv Day, is an annual event that celebrates the culture and unity of the Tiv people, as well as their achievements and contributions to the Nigerian nation. The event involves various activities, such as cultural displays, masquerades, carnivals, and awards. The event is also a platform for the Tiv to voice their grievances and demands, as well as to promote peace and development in the Tiv land.
- The Kwagh-hir Festival is a biennial event that showcases the Tiv’s puppet theatre, which is a unique and creative form of art and entertainment. The festival involves the performance of various stories, myths, legends, and contemporary issues, using puppets, masks, costumes, and props. The festival is a spectacle of humor, satire, and drama, and attracts thousands of spectators and tourists.
Conclusion
Nigeria is a country that is blessed with a diverse and rich cultural heritage. Each tribe in Nigeria has its own states, languages, cultures, and histories, that make it unique and fascinating. In this article, we have explored some of the major tribes in Nigeria and their cultural marvels, that will leave you in awe. However, this is not an exhaustive list, as there are many more tribes and cultural marvels in Nigeria that are worth discovering and appreciating. Therefore, we invite you to visit Nigeria and experience the cultural marvels of Africa for yourself.
FAQ’S
- How many tribes are there in Nigeria?
- There is no definitive answer to this question, as different sources may have different criteria and classifications for defining a tribe. However, according to the 2006 census, there are over 250 ethnic groups and 500 languages in Nigeria.
- What are the three major tribes in Nigeria?
- The three major tribes in Nigeria are the Hausa-Fulani, the Yoruba, and the Igbo, who together comprise about 68% of the population. They are also the most influential and dominant tribes in Nigeria, in terms of politics, economy, and culture.
- What are the cultural differences between the tribes in Nigeria?
- The cultural differences between the tribes in Nigeria are manifold and multifaceted, as they involve various aspects, such as religion, language, art, music, dance, dress, food, marriage, family, social organization, and worldview. However, despite these differences, there are also some similarities and commonalities between the tribes, such as the respect for elders, the hospitality for guests, the love for festivals, and the patriotism for the country.
- What are the challenges and opportunities of having a diverse and rich cultural heritage in Nigeria?
- The challenges of having a diverse and rich cultural heritage in Nigeria include the potential for conflict, misunderstanding, discrimination, and marginalization, among the different tribes and groups, especially in the face of scarce resources, unequal development, and political instability. The opportunities of having a diverse and rich cultural heritage in Nigeria include the potential for harmony, cooperation, integration, and innovation, among the different tribes and groups, especially in the face of common goals, shared values, and mutual respect.