Traditional beliefs of the Hausa people

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Periodical article

Title:	Traditional beliefs of the Hausa people
Author:	Pilaszewicz, Stanislaw
Year:	1995
Periodical:	Hemispheres: Studies on Cultures and Societies
Issue:	10
Pages:	87-94
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	Islam African religions Hausa
Abstract:	Nowadays the Hausa of northwestern Nigeria and adjacent territories of Niger are almost entirely Islamized. This paper traces the beginnings of pre-Islamic traditional beliefs among the Hausa and shows how they developed in the course of time. The religious situation in Kano City State is the main point of reference. The paper is mainly based on information from the 'Kano Chronicle'. The history of the struggle between the autochthonous worshippers of a divinity known as Tsumburbura, who had a cult centre on Dala mountain, and the Hausa invaders, began in the 10th century. The most important role in the traditional Hausa religion was attributed to spirits. In the 14th century, Islam was introduced. After acceptance of Islam by the rulers and their nearest associates, a new system of creeds came into being. The traditional religion of the Hausa invaders constituted its basis, but it was enriched by elements of the indigenous religion as well as by the doctrines and religious practices of Islam. Under the influence of Islam the spirit cult shifted to a marginal position in religious life. In the course of time it assumed the shape of the possession cult known as 'bòorii'. Note, ref.