 |
| A file image of a Musgum Hut |
The Musgum, also known as Mulwi, are an ethnic group native to Cameroon and Chad.
They speak Musgu language and had 61,500 speakers in Cameroon by 1982 and 24,408 in Chad by 1993.
The Musgum proudly call themselves Mulwi.
Keep reading to find out mre about the Musgum people.
Distribution of Musgum People
In Cameroon, the Musgum primarily inhabit the Maga and Kai-Kai sub-divisions within the Mayo-Danay division of the Far North Province.
In Chad, they are found in Bongor Subprefecture, Guelendeng, Katoa Mayo-Kebbi Prefecture, Wadang, and N'Djaména Subprefecture, including areas like Ngueli and Sukkabir. This region spans the territory between the Chari and Logone rivers.
Over time, many Musgum in Cameroon have migrated northward towards Kousséri. Notably, Waza National Park, situated on Musgum land, derives its name from the Musgum word "Waza," meaning "my house" or "my homeland."
Other notable places include Moulvoudaye, which translates to "I buy people," a historical center of the slave trade, and the Peak of Mindif, named from "Mindif," meaning "the mouth of man."
In Nigeria, the Musgum primarily reside in Borno State in the northeastern region, particularly in areas such as Bama, Banki, and Gambaru, where they coexist with their neighbors, the Kanuri.
Historically, these tribes formed the Borno Empire and share a common history dating back to their harmonious existence within the Baguirmi Empire.
Musgum History and Culture
The Musgum people are Afro-Asiatic in origin, having displaced the Paleo-Sudanese in their current territories alongside other Neo-Sudanese groups.
Known for their warrior heritage, the Musgum resisted the Fulani people's attempts to subjugate and convert them to Islam through warfare.
Musgum leaders like Zigla and Awersing led their troops to victory in significant battles, such as the one at Bogo in Diamaré Division, which means "noise" in Musgum, referring to the battle site. Their triumph forced the Fulani to retreat to Adamawa.
Despite these victories, the Fulani later employed subtler methods of assimilation, such as intermarriage, to integrate into Musgum society.
This tactic resulted in mixed heritage within Musgum kingdoms, such as the kingdom of Bogo.
Read Also:
Nevertheless, Musgum regions in both Cameroon and Chad remain governed by native Musgum chiefs, exemplified by the Sultanate of Pouss, the Lamidat of Guirvidig, the Sultanate of Zina, and the Lamidat of Bogo.
The Musgum are also known for their traditional "Laba" or Labana fighting rites. Today, many young Musgum men aspire to military careers.
Fishing is a crucial activity for the Musgum, especially during the dry and rainy seasons when the Logone River floods. This has occasionally led to conflicts with rival Kotoko fishermen.
Musgum Mud Huts
The iconic Musgum mud huts, or dwelling units, are traditional structures made from mud by the Musgum people in Cameroon's Far North Province.
These huts come in various shapes, including tall domed, conical, reverse-V, and geometric designs.
Musgum Hut Architecture
Constructed using mud, thatch, and water, these beehive-shaped structures, known as "cases obus," are a prime example of earth architecture.
Built with minimal tools, these adobe structures, a variant of cob, utilize the catenary arch form, which maximizes weight-bearing capacity with minimal materials.
The geometric patterns on the huts' exteriors provide footholds for workers during construction and maintenance. The large height of the structures, nearly 30 feet, keeps the interiors cool during hot days.
A small circular opening at the top aids air circulation and serves as an escape hatch in case of flooding.
The huts feature a keyhole-shaped entrance that is narrow at knee level and widens at shoulder level.
The Musgum mud huts are part of a complex that includes housing units, granaries, and a central courtyard, enclosed within a thatched compound wall. This design facilitates rainwater drainage and allows for expansion as families grow.
Though traditional Musgum houses are now rare and considered outdated, their architectural significance remains notable.
Constructed with compressed sun-dried mud, these environmentally friendly structures offer a low-cost alternative to cement buildings, which produce high carbon emissions.
Using a mud coil pottery technique, the walls are built spirally, drying each layer before adding the next. The walls' thickness decreases from base to top, enhancing stability and longevity.
Final Thoughts
The Musgum people's history and culture, reflected in their resilient spirit and unique architectural style, remain an integral part of the region's heritage.
What else would you love to know about the Mugsum people? Let me know in the comments.
Comments
Post a Comment