essay

Incorporation in Bornu

from tribe to nation in africa : studies in incorporation processesScranton • 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.
Subjects
External migration
Real property
Routes
Ethnic stratification
Territorial hierarchy
External relations
culture
Kanuri
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)