Did the Jukun originate from Egypt?

The people of Kona in Taraba State claim an eastern origin, as do many groups not only in Nigeria, but throughout sub- Saharan Africa. The Jukun of Kona point confidently to Egypt as a clear point of origin, although a document obtained from the Department of History, College of Education, Jalingo points to an origin […]

The people of Kona in Taraba State claim an eastern origin, as do many groups not only in Nigeria, but throughout sub- Saharan Africa. The Jukun of Kona point confidently to Egypt as a clear point of origin, although a document obtained from the Department of History, College of Education, Jalingo points to an origin in Yemen for these people. It indicates “The Jukun Kona, like other Jukunoid groups, trace their origin to the Middle East, particularly to Yemen. On arrival in the area of  Nigeria, they and other Jukunoid groups settled on the Gongola and Benue valley, from where they moved  to establish their first distinct settlement known as Kuro or kingdom in present Lau local government area, under the Kuru(chief),who had power over life and death.”

Abu Sani, a retired Permanently Secretary and historian, sheds light on Jukun ties with Egypt. His words “the Jukun migrated from Yemen. They dispersed to other places and migrated into Egypt. Much of the culture of the Jukun Kona resembles that of ancient Egypyt.They then moved into the Lake Chad Basin.” He adds “the king is deified. He does not die. He is regarded as the son of a god. This is also very typical of ancient Egyptian culture,” but he adds that the king is not an Alpha and Omega. “There is democracy among the Jukun, for the kingmakers may depose him,” Sani said.

Wikipedia indicates that the “Jukun originally came from Sudan. The Kuteb, who speak a related language and live just to the south of the Jukun, have a tradition that they migrated from Egypt about a 1,000 years ago.” As in Egypt, the king of the Jukun is embalmed when he passes on. His words “the king is embalmed just as the Pharaohs were. He  is dressed up and taken to a tomb.The burial of the king resembles an eastern burial tradition, such as that of the Scythians who bury their kings in tombs.“

Dr. Okombo Elijah of the College of Education, Jalingo tells Weekly Trust that the burial system of the Jukun   is similar to that of the Egyptians, and adds that the Jukun Kona and those of Wukari are of the same stock. He says “the Jukun of Wukari also believe in embalming the Aku Uka. When an Aku Uka dies, he is embalmed. Millet is a major ingredient used in embalming the body.”

Then there is the worship of the Sun god which is fairly widespread in Jukun territory. This again has parallels with Egyptian modes of worship. Even the manner Jukun sit in the presence of their king, as well as style of greeting the king, is similar to what obtains in ancient Egypt.

A belief in life after death is another feature common to Egyptian and Jukun culture.

Part of Jukun religion speaks of communing with the soul of the dead. Abu Sani adds that the worship of the sun god is present in both cultures. He draws attention to the fact that there is at present a clan among the Jukun in Kona that worships the sun god. Next, there is the tradition of shaving the hair and leaving just a plaited portion, which is common among the Jukun princes and elders. This again has parallels in well recorded Egyptian culture.

He also speaks of reverence for the crocodile among the people. This goes back a long time. The crocodiles are held to have assisted the Jukun during one of their numerous journeys. Thus it is now revered among the people, a habit also common among the ancient Egyptians. Ceremonial dress among the Jukun also has an Egyptian flavour. A shoulder is left bare and a knot is tied above the other shoulder where the two ends of the cloth meet .The cloth itself extends all the way downwards.This again is markedly Egyptian, many insist.