When Kebbi showcased historical artefacts

From war drums to warriors, from fishing paraphernalia to skills display, the attractions continued. It was an exhibition of historical artefacts from the Kebbi (Kabi) Kingdom. The exhibition which assembled a collection of artwork, objects, images that shaped the empire, was part of the 2nd national conference of the Faculty of Arts and Islamic Studies, […]

From war drums to warriors, from fishing paraphernalia to skills display, the attractions continued. It was an exhibition of historical artefacts from the Kebbi (Kabi) Kingdom.

The exhibition which assembled a collection of artwork, objects, images that shaped the empire, was part of the 2nd national conference of the Faculty of Arts and Islamic Studies, Usman Danfodiyo

University, Sokoto, with the theme, ‘History, people, religion and culture of Kebbi(Kabi) Kingdom since 1515’.  It held at the auditorium of the university’s main campus.

On display were bronze pots said to have been brought together with hundred slaves as gifts to King Kanta by the Sarkin Nupe. Many of them were noted to have been kept in British and Lagos museums.

Kabi Kingdom war drums were also on display. According to the inscriptions on them, they were first introduced by King Yakubi Nabame in1849-1854, in addition to the war musical instrument used by Kanta, all of which are kept in the Kanta museum in Argungu.

There was an illustration of a Kebbi warrior taking position at the war field in combat garb, including a “charm cap” and poisonous white armlet, holding a poisonous spear and protector.

As fishing historically occupies a pride of place in Kebbi, the exhibition was awash with different images and objects of the famous

Argungu international fishing and cultural  festival.

These included an image showing the cleaning of water for the commencement of fishing, a catalogue of 26 different species of fish found in Argungu and various fishing objects.

It saw a striking array of images of Kebbi women hair dressing styles, haircuts of youths in the past as well as tribal marks.

Various other vital vestiges of Kabi empire were featured at the event, which drew a number personalities, including Governors Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto, Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi, retired Justice of the Supreme

Court, Justice Usman Muhammad, a representative of the Sultan of Sokoto,

The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samai’la Mera and many others from the university community and beyond.

The exhibition took place shortly after the opening session of the conference, where various speakers underlined salient points on the kingdom.

The conference convener, Dean, Faculty of Arts and Islamic Studies, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Professor Mukhtar Umar

Bunza, spoke on the theme of the conference;

‘History, people, religion and culture of kebbi [Kabi] kingdom since 1515’.

He said: “This is with a view to critically examine the major issues regarding migration, settlement, urbanization and inter-ethnic relations, trade and commerce, contemporary political and economic developments, languages, literatures, tradition, religion and culture.”

The Dean said: “Archaeological findings and excavation further confirm beyond doubt the extent of the material culture, and a significant contribution of the Kebbi kingdom in world civilization (science and technology).

“The level of civilization and development attained by Kebbi Kingdom could be further confirmed by the unique development of its capital, Surame, in the areas of town planning, design and architecture, science and technology. In fact, it was the only state in

Hausa land at the time which had story-buildings, drainages, culverts and bridges [which is wrongly referred to as Siradi in Hausa] a typical North African and Spanish technology.”

He referred to a statement by Sultan Muhammad Bello on the greatness of Kebbi Kingdom, “no other kingdom in the history of these countries (of Western

Sudan) ever equalled it (Kebbi) in power. Their ruins, though, it is about a 100 years since their cities were broken, surpassed any we have ever seen. The power of Kebbi endured about 100 years without weakening until Sarkin Gobir Muhammadu Dan Chiroma rebelled against them.”

The monarch of the kingdom, the Emir of Argungu, Alh. Sama’ ila Muhammad Mera, spoke on the importance of the event and lauded the organisers for their foresight.

“The kingdom is one of the most easily acknowledged and respected among the traditional institutions of northern Nigeria. Unfortunately, the ease with which people recognize the name of the kingdom and some of its leaders and events in its history does not march the ease of accessing full documented history of the kingdom, its people, religion and culture. This conference couldn’t therefore have come at a better time,” he said.

The monarch, who is the head of the 33rd generation of the people under discussion, said he looks forward to a rich document that captures the highs and lows of their past, saying such could form the basis for further research towards documenting a comprehensive history of Kabi kingdom for future generations.

The senator representing Kebbi-North, Dr.Yahaya Abdullahi, who gave a keynote address on ‘Kabi in the 21st century, historical background and contemporary challenges of survival and progress, said, “societies grow and evolve in constant socio-economic and cultural mutation and change. This fact can be discerned clearly from our history, which is relatively well known to us because our ancestors were literate and left a legacy of written historical and scholarly treasure.”

He added, “our ancestors played their role on earth and left an indelible legacy in our genetic makeup and socio-cultural attributes. We are perfectly right to glorify and celebrate our past. But this apotheosis should not blind us to the challenges we face today and the future of generations yet to come.

“We remember the dead in order to learn from their successes and failures to enable us cope with the present and build a prosperous and peaceful future for the next generations.”

Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, who noted that northerners were empire builders, pledged that he and the governors of Kebbi and Zamfara would donate N30million for research on Kabi Kingdom, Gobir and Zamfara.

Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State, on his part, emphasised the need to restore lost value in the society.

Retired judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Usman Muhammad Argungu, who was chairman of the occasion, was optimistic that the conference would make a positive impact.

“Today’s event, I believe will help in filling many gaps in past efforts concerning the history of the great Kabi Kingdom,” he said.

He revealed his “immeasurable” passion for the study of history.

“My autobiography is a collection of unique historical events that affect me and my immediate environment, and that is why section two of the book has been dedicated to the history of Kabi empire,” he added.

He said the Faculty of Arts and Islamic Studies [FAIS] and indeed the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, “are taking giant strides towards restoring the nation’s glorious past by providing an opportunity to share ideas which will certainly help in reshaping the present and prepare us for a better tomorrow.”

He called for synergy in historical researches among universities.