ARTS & CULTURE

Banyankole Tribe: Where Bride’s Aunt Sleeps With Groom To Test His Skills

Published

1 year ago

September 12, 2023

Banyankole Tribe: Where Bride's Aunt Sleeps With The Groom To Test His Libido | Fab.ng

The Banyankole are a large tribe located in the western districts of South Sudan. They are known for their traditions and culture, one of which is the desire for a perfect marriage. This desire is taken to the extreme, with some families going to great lengths as to let the bride’s aunt sleep with the groom just to test-run his bedroom skills.

This tribe, also known as the Ankole people, esteem the significance of virginity. In their culture, a young woman is expected to remain sexually pure. In return, a potential groom must also have exceptional prowess in the bedroom to ensure full satisfaction of the bride. Such responsibility to determine the sexual prowess of the groom falls on the bride’s knowledgeable aunt.

This duty is entrusted to the aunt from an early age, typically when a young girl reaches the tender age of eight. With great care and diligence, the aunt begins the grooming process, preparing the young girl for her future marriage.

It is believed that once the girl develops her womanly curves, she is to remain chaste until the significant occasion of her wedding night. Failure to adhere to this strict decree can result in severe social exclusion, and in some cases, the ultimate penalty – death.

Beauty too, holds an important role within this tribe. The Banyankole tribe perceived being soft, curved, and sexually attractive as a sign of allure, causing young girls to be hidden indoors. There, they are pampered with sumptuous feasts comprising beef, millet porridge, and large amounts of milk. This is done with the intent of enriching their fatness to match the tribe’s ideas of attractiveness.

The aunt’s responsibilities extend far beyond just guardianship. The aunt is also obligated with the duty of both finding out the groom’s sexual prowess and educating the bride-to-be on her future husband’s sexual capabilities. The aunt skillfully measures the groom’s sexual prowess by having sex with him, ensuring the groom possesses the necessary skills to satisfy his wife’s desires.

This act comes before the groom is allowed to wed his wife. The groom pays the bride’s family, and then there are celebrations and a feast. After the feast, the couple then consummate their marriage with the bride’s aunt present as a witness to help the couple improve their sex life.

This tradition shows the importance of virtue and family values in the Banyankole tribe. The Banyankole people have a rich history that combines love, desire, and tradition. It is a fascinating journey for the aunt, bride, and groom in this Ugandan tribe.

While this ancient tradition may perplex and amaze those unfamiliar with its customs, it reveals the importance accorded to virtue within the Banyankole tribe. The depths of their commitment to upholding and cherishing the purity of their womenfolk underscore the significance they place on the union of two souls.

With the uniqueness of this tribe, you would ask:

Where is Banyankole tribe?

The Banyankole tribe are the second largest ethnic group in Uganda, after the Baganda, the strongest tribe. The tribe are predominantly found in the western part of Uganda, in the districts of Mbarara, Bushenyi, and Ntungamo.

What is the origin of Banyankole tribe?

The tribe originated from the combination of two main ethnic groups: the Bairu and the Bahima, with Bairu as the majority group who are Bantu agriculturists, and Bahima as the minority group who are Nilotic pastoralists. The Bairu is believed to have arrived in Ankole long before the Bahima.

The Bairu and the Bahima have a long history of interaction and conflict. The Bahima were traditionally the dominant group, and they ruled the Bairu as serfs. However, the Bairu have become increasingly assertive in recent years, and they are now playing a more equal role in Ankole society.

Despite their differences, the Bairu and the Bahima are united by their common identity as Banyankole. They share a common language, Runyankole, and they have a common history and culture. The Bairu and the Bahima are working together to build a better future for their people.

What are Banyankole known for?

The Banyankole people were known for their long-horned cattle. This breed is a type of humped cattle found in Africa. They are known for their long, curved horns, which can grow up to 6 feet long. The Mugabe, or king, was an absolute ruler and claimed all the cattle in the kingdom as a way to assert his power and authority.

The Banyankole cattle are an important part of their economy. They were used for milk, meat, and hides. They were also used as a form of currency and as a way to display wealth and status.

What is the religion of the Banyankole tribe?

Christianity is the dominant religion among the Banyankole tribe, with over 80% of the population identifying as Christian. The Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Uganda are the two largest Christian denominations among the Banyankole.

Prior to the arrival of Christianity, the Banyankole were animists, who believed in a variety of spirits and gods. They also practised traditional rituals and ceremonies. However, Christianity began to spread among the Banyankole in the 19th century, and it has since become the dominant religion.

Regardless of the Christianity that came to them, there are still some elements of the traditional Banyankole religion that persist, even among Christians. For example, many Banyankole still believe in the power of traditional healers and diviners.

Despite all, Christianity has had a positive impact on Banyankole culture. It has helped to promote education, development, and social harmony.

Who is the god of Banyankole?

Ruhanga is the supreme god in the traditional Banyankole religion. He is believed to be the creator of the world and all living things. Ruhanga is also believed to be a benevolent god who watches over his people and protects them from harm.

The Banyankole believed that Ruhanga could be communicated with through prayer and sacrifice. They also believed that Ruhanga could punish those who disobeyed him.

The Christian missionary movement in the 19th century had a significant impact on the Banyankole religion. Many Banyankole converted to Christianity, and the traditional religion began to decline. However, some traditional acts still remain.

If you like more posts on indigenous African arts and culture, check out our “Arts and Culture” page here.

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ARTS & CULTURE

Here’s The Interesting Story Behind The Word “Boycott”

Published

5 days ago

November 9, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Captain Charles Boycott: Story Behind The Word "Boycott" | fab.ng

The term “boycott” is now widely used to describe organized acts of protest where people refuse to engage with a company, product, or country as a form of pressure. While it’s globally accepted today, the word’s origin is surprisingly interesting. It traces back to a British land agent named Captain Charles Boycott.

Who was Captain Charles Boycott?

Captain Charles Boycott, a British land agent working for Lord Erne, a wealthy landowner in Ireland, played a key role in this term’s origin.

In the late 1800s, Ireland was under British rule, and tensions between British landlords and Irish tenant farmers were high.

Many tenant farmers faced unfair practices, including high rents and frequent evictions, especially during economic hardship or crop failures.

In 1880, a year marked by poor harvests, tenant farmers struggled to pay their rent and had no option but to request rent reductions. They hoped their landlords would understand their difficult situation and offer some relief. However, things didn’t go as they had anticipated.

The Conflict with Captain Boycott

In September 1880, tenants on one of Lord Erne’s estates approached Captain Boycott. They asked for reduced rents to help them survive the economic downturn.

To their disappointment, Boycott refused to grant their request and proceeded to evict tenants who couldn’t pay. This response seemed especially harsh, considering the widespread poverty at the time. Consequently, the community decided it was time to take a stand.

Irish politician Charles Stewart Parnell proposed a unique form of resistance at this critical moment. Rather than resorting to violence, he suggested a strategy of social ostracism as a way to protest.

Inspired by his advice, tenants and the entire community began to ignore Captain Boycott entirely. Workers on the estate refused to labour in the fields, local shops stopped serving him, and even the local postman refused to deliver his mail.

The Spread of the ‘Boycott’

The community’s collective action against Boycott escalated quickly, leaving him unable to find anyone willing to harvest the crops on Lord Erne’s estate.

Desperate to salvage the situation, Boycott hired workers from other parts of Ireland, but they required military protection due to hostility from the locals.

This effort became so costly that it far exceeded the value of the crops, highlighting the effectiveness of the community’s stand against unfair treatment.

The unprecedented event attracted significant media coverage. Soon, newspapers across Britain and Ireland began using the term “boycott”. They use it to describe the community’s collective refusal to interact with Boycott.

As news spread, “boycott” rapidly entered the English language as a term for nonviolent resistance through social or economic exclusion.

This form of protest, now known as ‘boycotting’, gained traction far beyond Ireland. It became a powerful tool for people worldwide to stand against injustice.

Captain Charles Boycott died long ago, but people still use his name when they use the term ‘boycott’. It symbolises the power of organized social resistance.

For more articles, check here.

ARTS & CULTURE

Here’s The Tallest Building In Nigeria

Published

2 weeks ago

November 2, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

The Tallest Building In Nigeria | fab.ng

The tallest buildings often shape a city’s skyline, and Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling metropolis, proudly showcases this in its towering structures. Rising above the city, the tallest building in Nigeria, NECOM House, dominates the landscape with its impressive height and unique silhouette.

This iconic landmark, visible from miles away, has not only stood the test of time but continues to represent Lagos’s architectural identity and economic progress.

As the tallest building in Nigeria, NECOM House remains a powerful symbol of the country’s ambitions, offering a historical perspective amidst a modernizing skyline.

Indeed, the tallest building in Nigeria serves as both a structural feat and a testament to the city’s vibrant growth and resilience.

The Tallest Building in Nigeria

NECOM House, previously known as the NITEL Tower and NET Building, proudly holds the title of Nigeria’s tallest building. This impressive structure reaches a height of 160 meters (525 feet) and spans 32 floors, symbolizing Nigeria’s bold architectural pursuits of the 1970s.

Completed in 1979, NECOM House embodied Nigeria’s rapid economic growth and met the country’s telecommunications needs in an era of modernization.

Positioned strategically in Lagos, this towering building served as a hub for telecommunications and broadcasting and also rose high enough to function as a lighthouse beacon for Lagos Harbor—a unique feature among skyscrapers.

At its completion, NECOM House claimed the title of the tallest building in West Africa.

British architects Nickson and Borys designed it with a reinforced concrete frame that represented cutting-edge engineering for high-rise buildings of that time. The Costain Group, a prominent construction company, executed the project, incorporating a mast capable of supporting the heavy telecommunication and broadcasting equipment essential for Nigeria’s expanding communications network.

Despite its impressive stature and engineering, NECOM House has encountered challenges over the years. In 1983, a fire broke out on the upper floors, damaging offices and equipment. However, the building’s robust construction preserved its structural integrity, underscoring its resilience.

After extensive repairs and reinforcements, NECOM House resumed its role as a landmark of Nigeria’s architectural heritage, standing as a testament to the country’s determination and growth.

A Changing Skyline

Although NECOM House remains a significant landmark, Nigeria’s skyline continues to evolve with the development of newer and taller buildings. Notably, Lagos’s emerging financial district, Eko Atlantic, hosts the Champagne Pearl, a 34-floor skyscraper built in 2017.

However, at 134 meters (440 feet), it still falls short of NECOM House’s impressive height. As the city’s skyline grows, NECOM House maintains a unique place in Nigeria’s architectural and historical landscape. Also, it captures the spirit of a generation that sought to make a mark on the world stage.

For more updates, check here.

ARTS & CULTURE

The History Of Nok Culture

Published

3 weeks ago

October 26, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

The history of Nok culture, which flourished in what is now Nigeria from approximately 1000 BCE to 300 CE, remains one of the most enigmatic in West Africa. Its most notable legacy is its remarkable terracotta sculptures, which reveal a sophisticated understanding of artistry and craftsmanship.

Although they did not work with bronze, the Nok culture is often associated with the early development of ironworking in the region. This made their contributions to metallurgy significant in the broader context of African history.

History and Identity of Nok Culture

The history and identity of the Nok people and their culture have long puzzled researchers. While archaeological evidence suggests that they were among the earliest societies in Nigeria to produce terracotta sculptures, the specific details of their social structure, language, and cultural practices are still largely unknown.

Some scholars hypothesize that the Nok culture arose from a combination of indigenous practices and influences from neighboring regions. However, definitive proof remains elusive.

Artistic Achievements

The Nok people are particularly renowned for their terracotta figures. Consequently, it often depict human heads with intricate facial features and elaborate hairstyles.

These artifacts is not only as artistic expressions but also as important historical documents. They give glimpses into the aesthetic values and possibly the religious beliefs of the society.

Notably, many of these sculptures were found in burial sites. Apparently, they may have played a role in funerary practices or served as markers of social status.

Influence of Nok Culture on Later Cultures

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Nok civilization is its potential influence on later cultures. Particularly, this holds true for the Ife people who inhabited the region from around the 11th to 15th centuries CE.

The Ife civilization is celebrated for its exquisite metal sculptures, especially those of human heads. These sculptures exhibit a high degree of realism and technical skill. Scholars have debated whether the artistry of the Nok people laid the groundwork for the advancements seen in Ife art.

While there is no direct evidence linking Nok art to the Ife civilization, some researchers argue that the stylistic elements of Nok terracotta might have influenced Ife artists.

For instance, the intricate details seen in Nok sculptures, such as facial expressions and hair designs, could have informed the aesthetic sensibilities of later Nigerian cultures. Nonetheless, the lack of written records from both societies complicates this analysis. In turn, this leaves much to speculation.

Technological Innovations

In addition to their artistic achievements, the Nok people are believed to have developed advanced techniques in ironworking. Interestingly, this predates similar developments in other parts of West Africa.

This ability to smelt and forge iron was a transformative advancement. It allows for the creation of tools and weapons that improved agricultural productivity and defense capabilities.

Thus, this innovation likely played a role in the establishment of more complex societies in the region.

Societal Structure and Economy

Nok settlements were primarily located in the central part of Nigeria, an area rich in resources. The society relied on agriculture, cultivating crops such as millet and sorghum, which were staples in their diet.

Evidence from archaeological sites indicates that they engaged in farming as well as hunting and gathering, reflecting a diversified subsistence strategy.

Regarding social organization, the structure of the Nok people remains largely speculative due to the limited archaeological evidence. However, the scale and sophistication of their art suggest a society with a certain degree of social stratification.

The presence of large terracotta figures may indicate that some individuals held positions of significance, possibly as leaders or religious figures. This idea is supported by the discovery of large clusters of these sculptures in specific sites, suggesting communal or ceremonial uses.

Decline of the Nok Culture

The decline of the Nok culture is another area of interest that invites further exploration. Various theories have been proposed. These theories range from environmental changes, such as drought or soil depletion, to social upheaval or conflict.

By around 300 CE, the Nok culture had seemingly diminished, leading to a transformation in the region’s cultural landscape. This transition set the stage for the rise of subsequent societies. This includes the Ife, which inherited and adapted many aspects of earlier traditions.

Conclusion: The Legacy of the Nok Civilization

In conclusion, while the Nok civilization remains shrouded in mystery, its impact on the history of West Africa is undeniable. The artistic and technological advancements of the Nok people laid important foundations for future cultures in the region. Even if the exact nature of their influence is still debated, it holds true.

As researchers continue to explore Nok artifacts and sites, a clearer picture of this ancient civilization may emerge. It would reveal the complexities of its society and the richness of its cultural heritage.

Ultimately, the Nok legacy, particularly through its terracotta art and early advancements in ironworking, continues to be a vital area of study for understanding the evolution of art and technology in African history.