The Kanuri people are the dominant ethnic group of Borno State in Nigeria’s northeast. Historically, they are a distinct political entity stretching over 1,100 years and have been an Islamic Emirate. Every memorable human act is not without a reason and the Kanuri traditional marriage is not an exception. Dr. Bulama Mali Gubio, a custodian of Kanuri traditional heritage sums it thus: “we marry to enhance our race, sustain mental peace, love and affection and promote unity among extended families, because our culture abhors immorality, especially among the female. And all these aim at fulfilling Islamic obligations of keeping faith and sustaining legal family system towards ensuring chastity and promoting moral excellence.”
Interestingly, the Kanuri marriage process begins with Rawo – the process of falling in love. Yes, love! Surprised? They employ variety of ability testing processes like Askil (traditional dance between young people where girls clap and boys dance vigorously to show their physical fitness); nguwa, traditional wrestling to display physical power; Kadi, tracing of the footsteps of thieves to retrieve stolen items, an indication of a young man’s capability to defend his people; Surwa, collective free labour to help members build houses, till and cultivate farmlands; Ngmur, (sallah festivities); Sawaram, coming together of the bride’s and groom’s friends to engage in ceremonial performances; Zuwu, Qur’anic school graduation ceremony; and Kasuwu, weekly market days to impress the family of a chosen loved one.
All the aforementioned are basic requirements but the distinguishing factor are that worthy and tasteful gifts are being presented to key family members of the bride inclusive of clothing and perfumery items.
Another key aspect which we all might not have heard about still practiced today, is called ‘Wankan Amarya.’
‘Wankan Amarya’ is a ceremony where the bride being adorned in traditional attire is carried on the backs of feminine members of the groom’s household, danced with around, then finally her braided hair which would have been undone, is washed by aunties and grand aunties of the groom.
Afterwards, ablution and prayers of blessings are performed as a sign of acceptance into the family. Always an emotional moment, no bride in Nigeria goes through the whole ceremony without shedding a tear or two amidst the excitement.
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| Wankan Amarya |
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