The Nupes can be primarily found in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria, near the confluence of Kaduna and Niger rivers. Their culture, language and history make them an interesting case-study for today’s segment of #ThrowbackThursday.
Here are some fascinating facts about the ethnic group:
1. History of the Nupe Kingdom: The Nupes trace their civilized roots to the Kingdom established in the 15
th century after their first ruler, Tosede conquered the wastelands of Nupe and neighbouring Yoruba towns to form a loose confederation. It is also believed that he possessed special magical powers obtained from his father of Igala descent.
2. Population size: There are approximately 3.5 million Nigerians of Nupe origin. Majority of the population resides in the community’s present capital city of Bida.
3. Multiple names: Interestingly, different tribes in Nigeria have different names for the Nupes. The Yorubas call them Takpa while the Hausas refer to them as Nufawa (plural) or Banufe (singular) and the Gwari tribe call them Anupeyi. Then, there are the names the Nupes call themselves – Nupecizi (Plural) and Nupeci (Singular).
4. Language: They speak a language of the Nupoid group in the Benue-Congo branch of the Niger-Congo language family. Other languages in the group are Igbira (Ebira), Gbagyi (Gbari), Gade, and Kakanda. Nupe is related most closely to Gbari and Kakanda in structure and vocabulary. There are at least two markedly different dialects: Nupe central and Nupe Tako.
5. Commercial activities: Depending on their location in the settlement, Nupe people are primarily fishermen or farmers. The riverside territorial groups of Batache and Kede are usually the fishermen; others work as farmers of staple crops like sorghum, groundnut, millet and rice. There are also some indigenes who specialize in the art of making decorative glass beads, brass work and fine leather. Modern industries in Nupe land include: Nigerian Sugar Company, Jebba Paper Mill and the two major Hydro Electricity Stations in Nigeria – the Kainji Dam and Jebba Dam. Hence, Nupeland is the power base of Nigeria.
6. Traditions: Their interesting traditions have origins in Egyptian and Yoruba culture. They include tribal scarring on individuals’ faces for beautification, protection and to indicate the prestige of their families.
7. Art: The Nupes are world-renowned for their finely crafted wooden stools and sculpture. Because indigenes are mostly Muslims, their art is noticeably abstract and non-ceremonial in nature.
About the Writer: Ify Halim is a young Creative and a promoter of values through the force that is writing. Follow her on twitter: @MissHalim
