essay

Incorporation in Bornu

from tribe to nation in africa : studies in incorporation processes • Scranton • Published In 1970 • Pages: 150-174

By: Cohen, Ronald.

Abstract

Cohen examines the process of incorporation of (1) ethnic groups into the Bornu state and (2) the Bornu kingdom into Nigeria. The former is the historically older and longer process and varied according to whether the groups were internal or external, sedentary or nomadic. Settled peoples became part of the Bornu feudal tenure system, their rights to land based on patron-client ties to Kanuri nobility. Nomadic groups also became clients to individual noblemen who could offer them the state's protection and arbitrate their internal disputes. The Kanuri offered protection to outside groups, as well, in exchange for tribute, and often interferred in their dynastic struggles, but held no juridical powers over them. In the twentieth century, the British transformed the fiefs into administrative districts. Bornu became further incorporated into the Nigerian nation as individual Kanuri received a western education and moved up the ranks of the state's bureaucracy.

HRAF PubDate

1998

Region

Africa

Sub Region

Western Africa

Document Type

essay

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

4: Excellent Secondary Data

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

Ian Skoggard ; 1996

Field Date

not specified

Coverage Date

1901 - 1966

Coverage Place

Borno State, Nigeria

Notes

Ronald Cohen

Includes bibliographical references (p. 173-174)

LCCN

75079188

LCSH

Kanuri (African people)