Read more about Ethnic Groups In Nigeria
In culture, politics and geography, the Butawa, are similar to the Warji and Afawa peoples; in religion, they have been greatly influenced by their dominant Hausa and Kanuri neighbours who are Muslim. Consequently, although there is a secondary public school nearby, the Butawa prefer to send their children to Islamic schools. Butawa also have begun to follow the customs of the Hausa, for example in the way they dress and in their yearly festivals. Some believe that if such adaptations persist, the Butawa tribe will cease to exist as a distinct people.
Socio-Cultural and Economic Characteristics
Most Butawa earn their living by farming. Guinea corn and millet are their staple crops. Some Butawa keep animals such as sheep, goats, and cattle. Nomads from the Fulani ethnic group often tend the animals for the Butawa. Butawa also engages in hunting, fishing, and especially trade (due to Hausa influence). Some Butawa have become specialized, for example as barbers or blacksmiths. Since Butawa are famous for their knowledge of medicinal herbs, some also have become herbalists. Ritual specialists such as cult-priest and drummers are also found among them. Butawa marriages are usually done by exchange: A girl from one clan will marry into another clan. That clan, in turn, will supply the first clan with a girl from one of its families. If an exchange is not possible or the girl does not agree, sometimes a “bride-price” (a gift to the girl’s clan) will be paid. Divorce is very rare and there is no courtship among young couples.Sign up to the Connect Nigeria daily newsletter
After giving birth, a mother will remain secluded for several days, after which time she will stand with her child in front of her hut. She then will be greeted by friends and presented with food from her husband. Afterwards her child will be given an ancestral name. The initiation rite of boys is very important for the Butawa. Boys over seven years of age are brought to the sacred grove of the forest to be circumcised. For two months, they are secluded, except when the village men bring them food. During this time, with the help of the dodo (masked ancestral image), they are taught the secrets of the people, urged to follow in the footsteps of their ancestors, and taught to respect their fathers and elder brothers. The Butawa have several cultural festivals, some of which they still celebrate today. The Gwarma Gom is a thanksgiving to the gods each January, during which Butawa compose and sing new songs. In their mourning festival every two years, Butawa remember the dead. They visit graves and shrines, sprinkling them with blood, and the dodo dances in public. There is also a youth festival in which the youth dance to demonstrate their strength and power.
Religious Beliefs
Recently, the Butawa have begun to accept Islam as their religion. Less than half of all Butawa still follow their traditional ethnic beliefs. They traditionally worship family gods and ancestors at village shrines or in secret hidden places in the forests or in rocks. The cult of the dodo is extremely important to the Butawa. They value tribal secrets and practice religious traditions handed down from their ancestors. Butawa also believe certain people have the power to turn themselves into animals, especially elephants. Sources: Joshua Project Mission Grid Featured Image Source: Joshua ProjectGot a suggestion? Contact us: editor at connectnigeria dot com
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