Nupe Culture ID

The Nupe people are an important ethnic group primarily living in the middle belt of Nigeria particularly in Niger state. They are renowned for their complex social and political systems, oral histories, arts, and crafts.

The Nupe society is traditionally led by the Etsu Nupe, their spiritual and administrative chief who reigns from Bida, their main cultural capital. Their culture is rich with deeply embedded traditions, including the widely famous Nupe Day, a day set aside to celebrate and appreciate their unique culture and heritage.

Their language, also known as Nupe, is a member of the Nupoid group of Niger-Congo languages. The Nupe are predominantly Muslim, as a result of the nineteenth-century jihad led by Usman Dan Fodio. However, indigenous beliefs persist, blending with Islamic practices to form a unique cultural-religious system.

Nupe arts and crafts are highly regarded and include brass work, glass and beadwork, dyeing, mat and pottery making. Moreover, Nupe music and dance such as the 'Eggonogi', 'Shiroro' and 'Etsu Yamaji' are distinctive celebrations of the Nupe culture. Additionally, they are known for their expertise in traditional wrestling known as 'Kokowa'.

Rich in history and culture, the Nupe people offer an insightful reflection of Nigeria's diverse ethnic tapestry.