The History of the Kambari; Nigeria’s Naked Tribe

One might wonder if there is a tribe or nation that does not wear clothes in this modern age. The History of the Kambari, regardless of how small the community, lack modernity in their culture and social formation. This implies that they always have a modern perspective reflected in their dress, language, and decision-making methods.

On the other hand, culture represents people’s way of life that projects their social belief system. Thus, the quality of any cultural practice is determined by its people’s ability to sustain it while also maintaining its uniqueness and attracting the attention of other communities through its beauty.

Without a doubt, some of these nations are barely recognized in the country and live in extremely remote communities. The Ashingin or Kambari people who live in Niger State’s Agwara, Magama, and Mariga Local Government Areas are one such community. They live in the Borgu, Wushishi, and Rijau local governments.

Who are the Kambari?

The Kambari people are said to have been forgotten by the outside world, but the unclothed residents of the Birni Amina and Acer settlements find peace and pleasure in their secrecy. In other words, they take pleasure in maintaining their nudity culture (they prefer not to wear clothes). As a result, they insist that nothing will change the way they live because they are so firmly committed to their culture and traditions.

These people are classified into three dialects: Tsishingini, Tsikimba, and Cishingini. However, not all dialects can communicate with one another. They also have language-speaking sub-categories called Agwara Kambari, Salka Kambari, and Auna Kambari.

The Kambari people speak their native Kambari rather than English or Hausa. They live in small communities and only interact with others when they go to the farm or the market.

How long have there been Kambari people?

The Kambari have lived in the area for more than 50 years, and their modern homes are spherical mud cottages with a straw dome cover. While the rest of the country swelters in the heat that occasionally characterizes the desert region of the northern states, their homes provide an interior that is unrivaled in coolness.

What do the Kambari do?

The Kambari’s are farmers who grow yams, millet, groundnuts, and guinea corn. The Kambari people remain in the bush for the sake of farming and to preserve their culture and traditions, which they inherited from their forefathers.

Their Religion

The Kambari are not Christians or Muslims, as is the majority of northern Nigeria. They are pagans who worship a god named Magiro. They also have a strong belief in witchcraft and magic.

Marriage

According to Pulse.Ng, Marriage is celebrated in Kambari by slaughtering goats and cows for food while the bride’s parents cook food for the groom. The marriage is contracted once the food is consumed. According to the community chief, it is not the nudity of the women that attracts men, but how they plait their hair, good manners, and the tattoos the young women have.