Moba people
Mɔba | |
|---|---|
_(2).jpg) | |
| Total population | |
| 550,000 (est.) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Ghana, Togo | |
| Languages | |
| Moba, French | |
| Religion | |
| Traditional African Religion | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Mossi |
The Moba people, or Bimoba, are a Gur-speaking ethnic group from North-eastern Ghana, Uppper East and North-western Togo. Population centres in Ghana include Nakpanduri, Bimbagu, Najong 1 and 2, Kambatiak, Gbankoni and Bunkpurugu. The Bimoba number approximately 370,000 people in north-eastern Ghana[citation needed] and about 481,500 people in northern Togo.[1]
Origin
[edit]The Bimoba are believed to have migrated southwards from present-day Burkina Faso following the collapse of the Kingdom of Fada-Gurma around 1420.[2]
Society
[edit]Bimoba society is patriarchal and is structured around clan and family heads. There are Clan-based kings or chiefs with vested power to hold the various clans together. The clans themselves can be located on multiple locations based on power and numbers. Presently, the clan groups of the Bimoba include Luok, Gnadaung, Dikperu, Puri, Tanmung, Gbong, Labsiak, Kunduek, Buok, the Baakpang, Turinwe, Nabakib, Naniik, Poukpera, Maab and Kanyakib.[2]
Religion
[edit]The Bimoba practice predominantly ethnic religions. They identify with personal deities collectively referred to as Yennu, which translates as "God". Their ancestors play a role by being the contact between themselves and Yannu. A typical Bimoba compound would have a clay construction altar (patir; plural: pataa) in an enclosed hut (nakouk) where sacrifices are made to invoke the presence of the ancestors. Women are allowed into the nakuuk. Aside the patir located in the compound, every family member is allowed to construct their own small altar known as a mier. Communities may have a common shrine known as tingban. The tingban is visited at times of problems that concern the entire community such as a drought or a disease outbreak.[2]
Location and Settlement
[edit]The Bimoba’s live in hilly and elevated areas, which historically provided strategic advantages for spotting potential threats. Their settlements are spread across the Northeasten Region of Ghana from Nakpanduri (Nanmanbour) to Bunkpurugu (Bunkperu) and the Dapaong region in Northern Togo. Nakpanduri historically means a place for eating meat while Bunkpurugu means an old river in Moar (local dialect). Towns and villages stretching from Nakpanduri to Bunkpururgu are inhabited by Bimobas.
Cultural Practices
[edit]Bimoba’s have rich cultural traditions, including powerful initiation rites and spiritual practices. They are known for their mystical beliefs and reliance on traditional African spiritual charms. These practices are integral to their identity and survival as an ethnic group.
Language
[edit]The Bimoba’s speak Moar (a Gur language, which is part of the larger Gurma language cluster. This language is an essential part of their cultural heritage and daily communication.
Economy
[edit]The Bimoba’s are primarily engaged in agriculture, growing crops such as millet, maize, groundnut, sorghum and yams. They also raise livestock, including cattle, goats, pigs, fowls and sheep.
Notable people
[edit]- J.S Sambian
- John Nurokina
- Joseph Yaani Labik
- Namburr Berrick
- Duut Emmanuel Kwame
- Solomon Namliit Boar
- Abednego Bandim
