Origins and Early History Of Higgi People of Adamawa

Origins and Early History Of Higgi People of Adamawa 

The Higgi people of Adamawa State, Nigeria, are an ethnic group with a rich cultural and historical heritage. They are primarily found in the northern part of Adamawa State, which is located in the northeastern region of Nigeria. The Higgi people are known for their unique customs, traditions, and way of life, which have been shaped by their historical experiences.

Origins and Early History

The origins of the Higgi people are shrouded in mystery and are the subject of various theories. According to some accounts, the Higgi people originated from the ancient city of Kanem-Borno, which was located in what is now northeastern Nigeria and southeastern Chad. It is believed that the Higgi people migrated from Kanem-Borno to the Adamawa region in the 15th or 16th century.

Another theory suggests that the Higgi people are descendants of the ancient Nok people who lived in what is now Nigeria between 1000 BC and 300 AD. This theory is supported by the fact that the Higgi people share some cultural similarities with the Nok people, such as their use of terracotta pottery and iron tools.

Regardless of their origins, the Higgi people have a long and complex history that has been shaped by their interactions with other ethnic groups in the region, as well as with European colonial powers.

Colonialism and the Emergence of Adamawa State

The arrival of European colonial powers in Nigeria in the late 19th century had a profound impact on the Higgi people and other ethnic groups in the region. The British established a colonial administration in Nigeria in 1900 and began to exert control over the region's political, economic, and social affairs.

The Higgi people, like many other ethnic groups in the region, were largely marginalized under colonial rule. However, the colonial period also saw the emergence of new political entities, such as the Northern Region of Nigeria, which was created in 1946. Adamawa Province was part of the Northern Region, and it was later divided into Adamawa and Taraba states in 1991.

Modern Higgi Society

Today, the Higgi people are a minority ethnic group in Nigeria, with a population of around 100,000. They are primarily farmers and herders, and their economy is based on agriculture and livestock rearing. The Higgi people are known for their traditional crafts, such as weaving, pottery, and blacksmithing.

The Higgi people have a rich cultural heritage, which is reflected in their music, dance, and art. They are also known for their elaborate traditional dress, which includes colorful robes, headdresses, and jewelry. The Higgi people are deeply religious and practice a unique blend of traditional African beliefs, Christianity and a little number of Islam.