Social:Dakarkari people
Dakarkari people also known as Lena are one of the ethnics group in Nigeria with approximate population of 136, 000.[1]
They are mainly found in Zuru Donko-Wasagu, and Sakaba Local Government Areas of Kebbi State (formally part of Sokoto state) and some other local governments in Niger state like Rijau and Mariga. They are divided into different sub-groups which are Bangawa kafawa, Kelawa, Lilawa. Today, they can be found in Kebu, Roma, Dogo, Isgogo, Dabai, Rikoto, Peni, Zuru, Manga, Senchi, Ushe, Tadurga, Diri, Ribah, Conoko and Rade.[2][3][4][5][6][7]
Origin
The Dakarkari people originated from Kebbi kingdom up till the eighteenth century. The Dakarkaris were the foot soldiers of the kingdom from which their name was derived; daakaaree which means infantryman in Hausa language. However, after the fall of Kebbi Kingdom they moved further south where they could farm undisturbed.[8]
Marriage tradition
The marriage tradition of the Dakarkari people is a distinct tradition in the Northern part of the country. No other tribe has a similar marriage tradition. In the tradition, a man must be initiated into Golmo at U'hola annual festival before he can marry. Whoever is not initiated is not considered as a responsible person and cannot be given wife.[9] Also, it is expected of future the son in law to work on the farm of his father-in-law to be for a period of seven years with reference to what Moses did in the Bible[9]
Occupation
The Dakarkari people are mainly farmers and hunters. To search for fertile land, the majority of them have migrated to Niger State and they mainly return home for festivals and burials.[6]
Military recognition
The Dakarkari people are mainly found in the Nigeria Military Force. This is associated with their courage and braveness that have been learnt during the initiation in golmo culture.[6][1][9][3]
Festival
The U'hola Festival is an annual festival that is used to commemorate the favour of their God on their harvest. It is also used to celebrate the graduation of suitors (Yadato) who have served their respective father in-laws in (Golmo).[4]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 T, Randall (2020-01-15). "Linguistic and Religious Continuity and Change among the Lelna of Northwestern Nigeria" (in En). Insights of Anthropology 4 (1). https://scholars.direct/Articles/anthropology/iap-4-025.php?jid=anthropology.
- ↑ Project, Joshua. "Lela, Dakakari in Nigeria" (in en). https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/13022/NI.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Dakakari". https://www.101lasttribes.com/tribes/dakakari.html.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Aluwong, Jeremiah (2020-01-31). "Ethnic Groups in Nigeria- The Dakarkari Tribe" (in en-GB). https://articles.connectnigeria.com/ethnic-groups-in-nigeria-the-dakarkari-tribe/.
- ↑ Aluwong, Jeremiah (2020-01-31). "Ethnic Groups in Nigeria- The Dakarkari Tribe" (in en-GB). https://articles.connectnigeria.com/ethnic-groups-in-nigeria-the-dakarkari-tribe/.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "Dakarkari Tribe Of Kebbi State: An Embodiment Of Bravery.". https://cdn.scoopernews.com/static/half/detail/2536/12678844.html.
- ↑ Dettweiler, Steve; Sonia, Dettweiler (1993). Introductory Survey of the Lela People and Language. Sociolinguistic Survey (for non-technical audience). Ilorin: United Missionary Church of Africa.
- ↑ P. G., Harris (1938). "Notes on the Dakarkari Peoples of Sokoto Province, Nigeria". The Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland (Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland) 68: 113-152.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 "Zuru: Where every male must farm for 7 years before marriage" (in en). 2017-02-05. https://dailytrust.com/zuru-where-every-male-must-farm-for-7-years-before-marriage.
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