The place of Gidan Makama and Gidan Dan Hausa in tourism

It served as the temporary residence of Sarkin Kano when he migrated from the Dala Hill community in Kano several years ago. Aliyu Abdu, the Curator of NCMM, says Gidan Makama is a depiction of the traditional architectural pattern of buildings in the northern parts of Nigeria. “Gidan Makama represents the change of the political […]

It served as the temporary residence of Sarkin Kano when he migrated from the Dala Hill community in Kano several years ago.

Aliyu Abdu, the Curator of NCMM, says Gidan Makama is a depiction of the traditional architectural pattern of buildings in the northern parts of Nigeria.

“Gidan Makama represents the change of the political kingship in Kano. It represents our heritage. Monuments like this one tell a lot about who we are as a people. Heritage is not about money and it cannot be quantified in terms of naira and kobo.”

Exhibited in front of the museum with 11 galleries are huge pots excavated by archaeologists at Kofar Kabuga (one of the 15 Kano ancient city gates).

Various interpretations have been given about the pots. Oral historians say they were buried as protective charms while other say they were used to store grains.

Ethno-archaeologists associate the pots with the cloth dying industry, for which Kano was  famous.

Exhibitions in the galleries can be categorised into pre-jihad, jihad and post-jihad eras.

Stored in the galleries are traditional architectural materials and pictures of historical buildings in Kano and other artefacts that tell the history of Kano and Nigeria.

The displays in the galleries focus on the evolution of Kano City as depicted by the pattern of the city wall, the various maps designed by early explorers and travellers.

In one of the galleries are illustrations of Kano in the 19th century by European travellers such as Henry Barth, Hugh Clapperton and others depicting the 19th century Jihad of Usman Dan Fodio, which brought to an end the Habe ruling dynasty in Kano.

Also on display are the handicrafts of the Kano people,  their musical instruments, made up of wood and carvings.

Schools in Kano often take their pupils and students to Gidan Makama Museum on excursion, so that they can learn from history, about people and events, and hopefully such will spur them to be scholars.

Malam Salisu Mohammed, a guide at the museum, who explained some of the exhibitions says it was through the gate that the British colonialists entered Kano.

On the gate are perforations inflicted by the canons the British used to force their way into Kano.

He says the museum should be adequately funded to enable the management provide the needed services.

“Although the museum generates income as visitors pay N50 each, it is not enough for the maintenance of the museum.’’

Mohammed calls on tourism entrepreneurs to come to the aid of the museum, so that it will become tourists destination.

According to him, the architectural materials found in the museum are of the highest quality as they have the potency to prolong the life of a building built with clay soil.

Another monument of equal historical significance is Gidan Dan Hausa. Western education in the North started in Gidan Dan Hausa, under a Swiss, Mr Hanns Fischer in 1909.

The students of the vocational school he established in his residence, nicknamed him Dan Hausa (son of Hausa), because he writes and speaks Hausa language.

It was in his residence that he founded the vocational school referred to as Makarantar Dan Hausa (school of Dan Hausa).

The compound used to be the abode of one Turakin Kano, a chieftaincy title holder, whose official duties at that time included the supervision of the emir’s farmland within the Nasarawa area.

Historians say the house was built more than 150 years before Fischer occupied and re-designed it, to reflect the present day status of Gidan Dan Hausa ( son of Hausa residence).

Available records show that the school which started  with 30 pupils in 1909 had a student population of 209 in 1913, while the students were drawn from the 11 Northern provinces.

Gidan Dan Hausa is neglected, as there is nothing there to show the present generation its historical importance in the history of western education in Northern Nigeria .

Experts say that inadequate attention given to the upgrading of infrastructure of important national heritage is responsible for low returns from the tourism sector.

They also stress the need to properly fund museums, as exhibitions in galleries are very educative and also add value to national development.

Messrs J.O Fayenuwo and N. A Amusa, researchers at  Obafemi Awolowo University, say  exhibitions are designed to enlighten the people.

They  argue that missing links are provided through exhibitions for the benefit of the country.

Experts also say that museums can be used as catalysts to boost cultural tourism.

Dr Chieh-Ching Tien, a researcher in museum management, at  Taiwan National University of Arts, notes that many countries are using museum clusters to boost their local economy.

“Through the tourists they attract, museums can have a significant economic impact on a city. Museums also play an important role as cultural institutions.

“Most professionals believe that museums were established for the purpose of education and learning, collection, conservation, research and enjoyment.

However, as society has changed, the economic role of museums has become more important,’’ Chieh-Ching states, adding  that museums are key institutions for attracting tourists in the 21st century.

“Museums have diversified in the 21st century. Culture has become a key factor in competition among cities to attract visitors and an important part of the service-based economy.

“With their unique features, flexible open hours, multiple exhibition facilities like shops and restaurants, museums are ideally placed to satisfy a wide range of consumers’ needs.

She says that economically, museums are “cultural products that attract tourists.’’

Mr John Myerscough, a cultural policy expert, says museums are key economic foundation of many cities in the world.

He notes that three out of every 10 visitors to London usually visit museums in the city, resulting in very high revenue from the sector.

Nigeria and other African countries, he says, should  harness the potential of museums and the tourism industry in general.

Experts have highlighted the potential of the tourism sector, nay museums, and suggest that  the necessary machinery should be put in place to enable the country benefit from the potential of the sector.(NANFeatures