GST 115: Nigerian Peoples and Culture
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Questions and Answers

Which ethnic group is NOT considered one of the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria?

  • Yoruba
  • Igbo
  • Tiv (correct)
  • Hausa

What type of political organization is characterized by one source of political power concentrated at the head of the political unit?

  • Segmentary organization
  • Non-centralized state
  • Centralized state (correct)
  • Decentralized state

Which of the following ethnic groups is primarily associated with Northern Nigeria?

  • Edo
  • Hausa (correct)
  • Igbo
  • Yoruba

Which two political institutions derive political power in a non-centralized state among the Igbo?

<p>Council of elders and village assembly (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following regions in Nigeria is known for having the Yoruba ethnic group?

<p>Southern Nigeria (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Old Stone Age is part of which stage of human civilization?

<p>Paleolithic Age (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these states is NOT an example of a centralized state in pre-colonial Nigeria?

<p>Ibibio (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many distinct regions has Nigeria been divided into?

<p>Three (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary tax on personal property known as in the Borno Empire?

<p>Binemram (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which language is the major one derived from Kanembu in the Borno Empire?

<p>Kanuri (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What version of Islamic law is administered by judges in the Kanuri culture?

<p>Malakite (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered the founder of the Nupe state according to tradition?

<p>Edegi (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of Tsoede in Nupe history?

<p>To re-establish Nupe independence (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship of the Nupe language to other languages?

<p>It belongs to the Nupoid branch of the Benue-Congo group. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What title is given to the head of the Nupe kingdom?

<p>Etsu Nupe (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which area is predominantly inhabited by the Nupe ethnic group?

<p>Central Nigeria (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the nobility in Nupe society?

<p>To assist the king in his duties (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are inheritances divided in Nupe culture?

<p>Between the oldest son, other sons, and the daughter (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key element that gives marriage significance in Nupe culture?

<p>The bride-price payment by the groom (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a common religious practice among pre-Islamic Nupe people?

<p>Veneration of a guardian spirit named Gunu (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do men in Nupe society generally avoid divorce?

<p>Avoidance of public scrutiny and ridicule (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens in Nupe culture following the death of a spouse?

<p>The widow must stay in the compound for five months (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the women's rights in Nupe after the death of their husband?

<p>Women may inherit or the brothers may forgo their rights for her (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the societal view on barrenness in Nupe culture?

<p>It is considered a curse and misfortune (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant action did Oduduwa take after being driven out of Mecca?

<p>He created the first Yoruba kingdom. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which character is stated to have initially led the creation delegation before Oduduwa?

<p>Obatala (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the common theme in the different Yoruba origin traditions regarding Oduduwa?

<p>Both traditions identify Oduduwa as a creator figure. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which subordinate town leaders were typically appointed by the king in Yoruba political organization?

<p>Baale (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the name Ile- Ife signify according to the traditions?

<p>The act of spreading on the surface of the earth. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did Ile- Ife play in the Yoruba kingdoms?

<p>It was regarded as the cradle of Yoruba land. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Oduduwa's actions influence the Yoruba sub-ethnic groups?

<p>He established different settlements through his descendants. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the political structure of Yoruba communities?

<p>Variation based on the capital town's influence. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary council governing the village in the Igbo political structure?

<p>Ama-ala (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which title is NOT associated with the hierarchy of power within the Igbo village system?

<p>Chieftain (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is primarily responsible for the cultivation of yams in Igbo tradition?

<p>Men (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about land ownership in Igbo communities is correct?

<p>Land is owned communally by kinship groups. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What form of economic activity is predominantly engaged in by the Igbo people?

<p>Subsistence farming (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which among the following is considered a basic social unit among the Igbo?

<p>Village group (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Okpara in the Igbo village structure?

<p>To keep the Ofo and maintain moral authority. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which crop is primarily associated with women in Igbo agriculture?

<p>Cassava (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the principal exports of the Igbo economy?

<p>Palm oil and palm kernels (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which states are currently home to the Ijaw ethnic group?

<p>Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, and Cross River (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who are considered the founders of the Ijaw according to tradition?

<p>Olodia, Onyo, and Obolo (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant change in the Ijaw socio-political structures was linked to the trans-Atlantic trade?

<p>Establishment of politico-religious institutions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What languages do the different groups of the Ijaw speak?

<p>Izon and Cross-River languages (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which scholar claimed that the first migration leading to the Ijaw establishment came from Benin?

<p>Kenneth Dike (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the common economic activities of Igbo women?

<p>Craft based trading (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What archaeological findings were associated with Alagoa's studies on Ijaw migration?

<p>Eastern Delta communities predate the Central Delta region. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Nigerian Ethnic Groups

Nigeria is comprised of over 500 different ethnic groups, with notable examples including Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo.

Centralized States

A political organization in which power is held by a single ruler or authority (e.g., Oyo, Kanem-Bornu, Benin).

Non-Centralized States

A political organization where power is distributed among multiple authorities, like village councils, rather than a single ruler (e.g., Igbo, Ibibio).

Civilization Stages

Human culture and activities in Nigeria can be divided into different stages of development.

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Stone Age

The earliest stage of human civilization, split into the Palaeolithic and Neolithic Ages, characterized by the use of stone tools.

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Palaeolithic Age

The Old Stone Age, the first part of the Stone Age.

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Neolithic Age

The New Stone Age, a later part of the Stone Age characterized by more advanced stone tools.

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Organization of power in Nigeria

Nigeria comprised diverse ethnic groups with centralized and non-centralized political structures.

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Borno Empire Language

Kanuri, derived from Kanembu, was the primary language of the Borno Empire.

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Borno Empire Religion

Islam established as the state religion since the 11th century, influencing law, education, and social organization.

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Nupe Ethnicity Origin

The Nupe people, located in central Nigeria, have an origin story tracing back to Egypt, with Edegi as a pivotal figure.

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Nupe Political Head

The Etsu Nupe was the supreme ruler of the Nupe, holding a respected and powerful position with divine-like status.

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Nupe Linguistic Family

The Nupe language is part of the Benue-Congo group's Nupoid branch, closely related to Igbira, Gbagyi, Gade, and Kakanda.

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Nupe Historical Significance

The Nupe, formerly a group of semi-autonomous states, formed a confederacy. A prince, Tsoede, re-established their independence.

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Nupe Dialect Varieties

Distinguished by Nupe Central and Nupe Tako.

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Binemram Tax

A tax on personal property in the Borno Empire.

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Nupe Administration Levels

The Nupe government had central and provincial levels of administration.

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Nupe Nobility

Powerful people, like shaba, kpotuh, and maku, who helped the king in leadership.

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Zitzu Role

Village head appointed by the Etsu (king), assisted by elders and paid tribute annually.

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Nupe Marriage

Polygamous marriages were common. Bride price was paid. Ceremonies involved dancing and procreation.

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Nupe Divorce

Divorce was rare, often avoided due to social implications. Mostly ended by death. Widow custom followed.

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Nupe Succession and Inheritance

Inheritance of property is done with preference to the oldest son, then other sons, full brothers, and daughters, with young children having money held in trust.

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Nupe Religious Practices

Pre-Islamic, involved local deities, ancestor veneration, and the worship of Gunu.

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Gunu Worship

The most widespread religious practice in pre-Islamic Nupe culture, involving animal sacrifice and ritual.

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Oduduwa's Role

Oduduwa was a significant figure in Yoruba origin myths, considered the founder of Ile-Ife and the Yoruba kingdom.

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Ile-Ife's Significance

Ile-Ife is considered the first Yoruba kingdom and the origin point for many Yoruba subgroups. It was seen as the cradle of Yoruba Culture in many traditions.

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Yoruba Political Structure

Yoruba kingdoms were organized with a central king (Oba) and subordinate towns, each with a Baale or lesser king to represent the central authority.

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Oba

The central king of a Yoruba kingdom.

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Baale

A lesser king or chief in a Yoruba kingdom, appointed by the Oba to represent his authority in subordinate towns and villages.

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Yoruba Subgroups

The descendants of Oduduwa established various settlements in Yoruba land that subsequently formed different sub-ethnic groups within the Yoruba culture.

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Oduduwa's alternative creation myth

An alternative tradition of Yoruba origin that details how the earth was created and Oduduwa's role in the process.

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Obatala

A figure in Yoruba mythology, who played a part in the creation of the land and was initially the leader, until Oduduwa took control.

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Igbo Village Government

The Igbo village government consisted of two main institutions: the Council of Elders (Ama-ala) and the village assembly. The village was usually occupied by a patrilineage called umunna, led by an Okpara, the holder of the Ofo staff, representing ancestral authority.

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Igbo Power Hierarchy

Power in Igbo society was distributed hierarchically, from families to age groups and special titles. Title holders like Ozo, Ichie, and Mazi held positions of influence, while priests, diviners, and members of secret societies also played specific roles.

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Igbo Title System

Titles in Igbo land were open to all free-born citizens who paid fees and met conduct standards. Titles reflected social status and were a source of pride and respect within the community.

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Igbo Age as Status

Among the Igbo, age was a significant marker of importance and respect. Older individuals held greater authority and influence within the community.

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Igbo Village Group

The largest political unit among the Igbo was the village group, a federation of villages with a common market, meeting place, deity, and ancestral cults. These groups shared a sense of shared ancestry and were linked by socioeconomic ties.

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Igbo Ethnic Identity

The Igbo had a strong sense of ethnic identity, which made them a dominant force in the Eastern region of Nigeria.

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Igbo Subsistence Farming

The Igbo traditionally engaged in subsistence farming, relying on crops like yams, cassava, corn, melons, okra, pumpkins, and beans. Men primarily cultivated yams, while women focused on other crops.

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Igbo Land Ownership

Land in Igbo society was owned communally by kinship groups, who would then allocate it to individuals for farming and building. This system emphasized shared resources and collective responsibility.

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Ijaw Ethnic Group

One of the earliest groups to inhabit the Niger Delta, comprising a significant portion of Nigeria's population. They are located along the coastal belts of Southern Nigeria, stretching from the Forcados to the Bonny River.

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Ijaw Subgroups

The Ijaw ethnic group is divided into three main subgroups: Western Delta Ijaw, Central Delta Ijaw, and Eastern Delta Ijaw. Each subgroup has its own distinct communities and geographical locations.

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Ijaw Origin: Migration

The origins of the Ijaw people are traced back to several migration waves. The first wave involved three men from Benin, believed to be the founders of the Ijaw. The second migration was led by Ogidiga, a descendant of the Itsekiri kingdom founder. The final migrants established coastal ports like Akassa and Twon.

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Ijaw Linguistic Diversity

The Ijaw people speak different languages depending on their subgroup and location. The majority speak Izon, while the Eastern group speaks Kalabari. Some speak Edoid languages, and others like the Ogbia, Andoni, and Obulom speak Cross-River languages.

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Ijaw Trade and Economy

The Igbo women were actively involved in trade, primarily exporting palm oil and palm kernels. Other key economic activities included local craft production and wage labor.

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Ijaw History and Origins: Scholarly Debate

Several scholars have proposed different theories about the origins of the Ijaw people. Kenneth Dike attributed the development of political and religious institutions to trans-Atlantic trade. G.I. Jones argued for a migration from the Eastern Delta, while Alagoa emphasized the 'Mein tradition' of migration from the Central Delta.

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Archaeological Evidence for Ijaw Origins

Archaeological research, particularly sponsored by Alagoa, provided concrete evidence regarding the settlement of Ijaw communities. The findings supported the theory that Eastern Delta Ijaw communities were established earlier than those in the Central Delta.

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Ijaw Cultural Influence

The Ijaw people have made significant contributions to the cultural landscape of Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta region. They have played a key role in shaping the region's history, traditions, and economic activities.

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Study Notes

GST 115: Nigerian Peoples and Culture

  • Objective: The course provides basic information about Nigeria's continuous human habitation from prehistoric to post-colonial periods. This knowledge is crucial for understanding Nigerian culture.

Course Outline

  • 1. Geographical Background: Nigeria's geographical location, encompassing land and water, is defined by bordering countries and the Atlantic Ocean.
  • 2. Peoples and Ethnic Groups: Nigeria has a wide variety of peoples and notable ethnic groups.
  • 3. Stages of Civilization: Nigeria's history includes three main stages of civilization: the Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age.
  • 4. Early Centres of Civilization: Historical sites in Nigeria like Nok, Igbo-Ukwu, Ife, and Benin mark significant cultural development.
  • 5. Nigeria Cultural Zones: Cultural regions and their political structures are explored.
  • 6. Evolution of Nigeria: The course covers Nigeria's amalgamation and the reasons.
  • 7. Colonial Rule in Nigeria: The constitution and development of Nigeria during the colonial period are outlined.
  • 8. Nigeria Independence, Republican, Military, and Civilian Rule: Key aspects of Nigerian independence and the different governance types are explained.
  • 9. Economy and National Development: The economic system of pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial Nigeria is discussed.
  • 10. Structure of Economic Activities: Major problems plaguing Nigeria's economy and potential solutions are addressed.
  • 11. Major Components of Natural Environment: The natural environment of Nigeria, environmental issues, responsible factors, and solutions are detailed.
  • Fajana and Biggs, Nigeria in History
  • Obaro Ikime (ed), Groundwork of Nigerian History
  • Falola and Heaton, A History of Nigeria
  • Egharevba, A Short History of Benin and Ibadan
  • Dele Odanye, A Handbook of History, Ibadan
  • Falola and Adediran, A New History of Nigeria

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GST 115 Nigerian Peoples and Culture PDF

Description

This quiz evaluates your knowledge on the diverse peoples and cultures of Nigeria, spanning from prehistoric times to the post-colonial era. Delve into the geographical, cultural, and historical aspects that shape Nigeria's rich identity and civilization. Explore various ethnic groups, significant historical sites, and cultural regions.

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