Kufena Hills: More than just history

This cultural landscape has great historical importance to the people of Kufena and Zaria, being the area of early settlement as evidenced by the remains of city wall around the hill, as well as some settlement, which remain on the hill. Kufena Hills was declared a National Monument on 17th July 1956. It is one […]

This cultural landscape has great historical importance to the people of Kufena and Zaria, being the area of early settlement as evidenced by the remains of city wall around the hill, as well as some settlement, which remain on the hill. Kufena Hills was declared a National Monument on 17th July 1956. It is one of the four National Monuments declared in Kaduna State and is protected under Act of Parliament, Cap 242 of 2000 formerly (Decree 77 of 1979) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which established the National Commission for Museums and Monuments.

Kufena is composed of metamorphic rocks, which forms the base material at the core of the earth’s major continental masses. The landscape’s diverse eco-system, flora and fauna and various landforms make the hills and its environs outstanding.

Kufena was transformed and shortened from Kophana for easy pronunciation. It is also said to be the name of the ruler and first settler in the area, and was subsequently adopted as the name of the hill.

According to oral traditions, the original Hausa or Habe kingdom was established amidst the original settlers at about the 11th century AD. It was founded by Gunguma. The large inselberg was occupied by settlers both on top of the hill and at the foot and was formerly surrounded by fortified walls (Ganuwan Amina).

During that period, settlers were predominantly pagans until Islam was introduced to the Kingdom around 1456. It appears to have spread slowly, and pagan rituals continued until the Fulani conquest of 1808, according to Arnett (1910). Kufena hills is believed to possess some spiritual powers and therefore some traditional religious worshipers are seen occasionally offering different kind of prayers, sacrifices and communicating with extra-terrestrial beings.

Most of these places of worship were considered as sacred and thus bestowing it with a religious significance.

Aside its historical, spiritual and political significance earlier stated, Kufena was well known for its huge iron deposit which attracted people to it. This rich cultural history is evident from the burial sites, grinding grooves, resting site, associated craft of medieval period and ruins of the walls. In addition, the Kufena landscape is a rich natural environment, good for agriculture and quite a lot of its plants are said to be medicinal.

The outstanding landscape, steep slope, and serene environment make it a suitable environment/location for movie practitioners, drama groups and also shooting of music videos. Also it can serve as haven for fun lovers who visit the site for picnic and hill climbing. It is indeed a tourist paradise. Do not hesitate to visit to savour our cultural heritage.

The writers are Heritage Officers at the National Museum, Kaduna.