Ethnic Composition, Languages, Culture and the Arts: Nassarawa State, in terms of ethnic composition, is Nigeria on a mini
scale.
Not only are the ethnic groups numerous, they are also thor oughly
intermingled and overlapping in their geo graphical locations, to the
extent that the areas of dominance of each group cannot be easily
separated.
The
major ethnic groups include Eggon, Tiv, Alago, Hausa, Fulani, Mada,
Rindre, Gwandara, Koro, Gbagyi, Ebira, Agatu, Bassa, Aho, Ake, Mama,
Arum and Kanuri. While
English and Hausa are widely spoken in the state,
all the ethnic groups indicated above also have their own languages or
Traditional religions are widespread.
However,
the two leading religions (Christianity and Islam) have made a greater
impact among the people. Although cultural artifacts are scattered among
the ) cultural groups all over the state, no collection has yet been
made as at now. A museum is yet to be built.
Among
the many cultural activities are, for example, the Umaisha and
OyooreKeana festivals in Toto and Keana local government areas
respeclively. Others are observed within the course of the practice of
the peoples' economic and social activities such as farming, fishing, as
well as marriage, naming ceremonies and burial activities which reflect
the varied cultural realities of the people.
These
manifest also in the commercial and recreational spheres of their
lives. Dyeing, weaving, carving and blacksmithery are among the
traditional industries of the people. Thus items of art and crafts, such
as baskets, carved wooden implements like ladles, pestles and mortars,
besides iron implements like knives, cut lasses, hoes, etc are a common
sight in the local markets.
Pottery
and calabash carving also represent items of art and crafts, produced
for either domestic purposes or as items used for carriage of goods,
such as the Bassa and Gbagyi are often seen carrying on their shoulders.
These could also the items of dfinnratinn