The Mumuye are the people of Taraba State, Nigeria. They speak the Mumuye language and constitute the largest tribal group in the state.
The Mumuye are predominantly found in Zing, Yorro, Jalingo, Ardo-Kola, Lau, Gassol, Bali, and Gashaka, all of which are local government areas within the state. They are also present in parts of neighbouring Adamawa State.
This ethnic group is known for being divided into smaller clusters based on its dialects, of which there are at least fifteen distinct ones. The Mumuye of Cameroon, for instance, speak the Yoro dialect, while the Gengle Mumuye in Nigeria communicate using the Gengle dialect.
Most Mumuye subgroups trace their origin to the Yoro area, a region geographically isolated by hills. They regard the Yoro priest as the “supreme rainmaker” for the entire tribe.
Historically, the Mumuye were conquered and enslaved by the Junkun Empire but regained their independence in 1893 after the Fulani pushed the Junkun into the hills.
Despite this, the Mumuye have maintained their independence from external influences, including the Fulani, though some Fulani live among them.
Who Are the Mumuye People?
The Mumuye people are an ethnic group primarily located in northeastern Nigeria. They are one of the largest ethnic groups in Taraba State and form a significant portion of the population in several local government areas.
The Mumuye’s origins are traced back to the Yoro area, considered their ancestral homeland. This region’s rugged terrain has played a significant role in shaping their culture and protecting their traditions.
Cultural Practices and Traditions
The Mumuye social structure emphasises communal living, with extended families forming the bedrock of their society. Elders play a pivotal role, serving as custodians of tradition and mediators in conflicts.
Festivals, such as harvest celebrations, showcase their love for music, dance, and storytelling, bringing the community together in colourful displays of unity and joy.
Mumuye Art and Craftsmanship
The Mumuye are best known for their iconic wooden sculpture, Lansir. These abstract, elongated figures are celebrated for their intricate carvings and spiritual significance.
Each sculpture is believed to embody ancestral spirits and serve protective and ceremonial purposes within the community.
Collectors and art enthusiasts worldwide have come to admire Mumuye sculptures for their unique aesthetic and cultural depth. Museums across Europe and the Americas have showcased their work, further cementing the Mumuye’s reputation as master craftsmen.
Religion and Spiritual Beliefs
Traditionally, the Mumuye practice animism, venerating natural elements and ancestral spirits. Shrines and sacred spaces are integral to their villages, where rituals ensure harmony with the spiritual world.
While Christianity and Islam have gained ground among the Mumuye, many still integrate traditional beliefs into their religious practices, creating a fascinating blend of old and new spiritualities.
Marriage Customs
Among the Mumuye people, a man gains the moral and legal right to marry a woman only after paying a bride price, which is indispensable in their culture.
This involves the groom’s family giving dowry to the bride’s family, typically consisting of various items, payments, and services. The groom and his relatives provide these to the bride’s family.
According to Manna Martina Kefas, “For the Mumuye people, the responsibility for the first marriage rests entirely on the groom’s parents. They pay all the necessary dowry for their son when he marries for the first time.”
The bride price varies across locations and is sometimes subject to negotiation between the two families. In some instances, the groom’s family is asked to pay what they consider appropriate for their daughter-in-law, keeping in mind traditional norms.
Typically, the dowry includes 20 to 60 well-fed goats, an equivalent number of cows, or their value in iron bars known as tsasureng (money). A traditional woven cloth called Lantan, used primarily for burials or worn during war, is also part of the dowry.
An essential aspect of the marriage process among the Mumuye is the test of the groom’s physical capability and regard for his in-laws, particularly his father and mother-in-law. This is demonstrated through the groom’s services to the bride’s family, which proves his ability to provide for his wife and future children.
These services typically last five to seven years and include construction work, farming, running errands, and ensuring the bride’s sustenance until she is officially married or moves into her new home.
The bride, in turn, is also expected to respond positively to requests for assistance from her in-laws. Her participation demonstrates the type of daughter-in-law she will be, as the labour responsibilities are not limited to the groom alone.
Food and Culinary Practices
Their agrarian lifestyle largely influences the Mumuye diet. Staple foods include millet, sorghum, yams, and maise, often prepared as porridge or flatbreads.
Local delicacies also feature vegetables, legumes, and occasionally, meat and fish, depending on availability.
Traditional meals hold cultural significance and are often prepared during festivals and ceremonies. For example, a communal pot of tuwo (a thick millet or sorghum paste) symbolises unity and shared prosperity.
The influence of neighbouring cuisines has also enriched Mumuye culinary practices, introducing spices and new preparation methods.
Challenges Facing the Mumuye Tribe
Modernisation poses significant challenges to the Mumuye tribe, threatening their language, art, and traditions. Urban migration and the erosion of traditional values have led to a decline in cultural practices, while deforestation and land disputes disrupt their way of life.
Efforts are underway to preserve the Mumuye heritage, including documentation of their language and traditions and initiatives to support local artisans. However, more work is needed to safeguard this vibrant culture for future generations.
Why Study the Mumuye Tribe?
Understanding the Mumuye tribe offers valuable insights into Nigeria’s cultural diversity and history. Their art inspires modern creators, while their communal values remind us of the importance of unity and resilience. By studying the Mumuye, we preserve their legacy and enrich our understanding of human creativity and adaptability.
The Mumuye tribe’s rich heritage is a testament to the enduring power of tradition and creativity. As Nigeria continues to embrace modernisation, it is imperative to ensure that the cultural treasures of communities like the Mumuye are not lost. By celebrating and supporting their art, language, and traditions, we contribute to a more inclusive and culturally enriched world.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the most notable art form of the Mumuye tribe?
A: The Mumuye are renowned for their wooden sculptures, known as Lansir, which are highly valued for their spiritual and artistic significance.
Q: Where can one experience Mumuye culture firsthand?
A: Visitors can explore Mumuye communities in Taraba State, Nigeria, where traditional festivals and local markets offer a glimpse into their culture.
Q: How can their cultural heritage be preserved?
A: Preservation efforts include promoting their art globally, documenting their language, and supporting initiatives that maintain their traditional way of life.
