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46-678: The Mambilla people of Nigeria (with a small fraction in Cameroon) regard themselves as a group with a common identity. They are the denizens of the Mambilla Region, and have been in their homeland for about 5,000 years. In Nigerian dialects they refer to themselves as 'Norr' (the people) while in Cameroon there is a collective noun 'Ba' that is used in the unmarked sense to refer to the Mambilla, and also to refer to Mambilla in Cameroon on

92-582: A Community Leader was abducted at about 3am in a Gestapo-style operation of the now-disbanded SARS Police brought in by certain actors. Again on 1 March 2018, the shooting to death of 2 men in a farm sparked off another round of conflict. Being the highest point in West Africa, the Mambilla Plateau is the coldest area in Nigeria. The climate is generally temperate throughout the year. There is

138-568: A complex geography of steep valleys separated by highlands (all of similar altitude). The Gang Peak, located in the northeastern corner of the Mambilla Plateau, on the Mambilla-Gashaka-Cameroon tri-point boundary zone, is Nigeria's loftiest landform. Villages are found both on the hilltops and on valley bottoms, and are relatively isolated from one another particularly during the rainy seasons when river crossings can be difficult (and impossible for motorised transport). Agriculture

184-527: A different ecological zone from those of the Plateau: for example, oil palm plantations and gallery forest are found there. The toponym Ndòm itself on this plain is a transplanted replica of the old Ndòm at Nyö Heights on the Mambilla Plateau. Mbèrr (the correct name of "Shonkolong") was similarly taken from the original "Mbèrr" at Gwalì area of the Nyö Heights, from which the current Mbèrr on Ndòm Plain and

230-532: A dry season from late November until early March, the rains (which are abundant and regular) peaking in August - September before gradually reducing in intensity. Showers and isolated heavy rains are rarely experienced between December and February On the Mambilla Plateau the altitude is sufficient for evenings to be cool. Daytime temperatures hardly exceed 25 °C (77.0 °F) making it the coldest plateau in Nigeria. Mambilla plateau The Mambilla Plateau

276-502: A height of 2,419 metres (7,936 ft) above sea level. It is the highest mountain in Nigeria and in West Africa . The Mambilla Plateau measures about 96 km (60 mi) along its curved length; it is 40 km (25 mi) wide and is bounded by an escarpment that is about 900 m (2,953 ft) high in some places. The plateau covers an area of over 9,389 square kilometres (3,625 sq mi). The Mambilla Plateau

322-489: Is a plateau in the Taraba State of Nigeria . The Mambilla Plateau has an average elevation of about 1,600 metres (5,249 ft) above sea level, making it the highest plateau in Nigeria. Some of its villages are situated on hills that are at least 1,828 metres (5,997 ft) above sea level. Some mountains on the plateau and around it are over 2,000 metres (6,562 ft) high, like Gang or Chappal Waddi which has

368-436: Is a Sùu of the first rank, typically like a helmet and worn over the head, resting on the wearers shoulders. It is always accompanied by a number of second rank masks like the "Suu Dua" or " Sua Dua ", which rest on top of the head. Almost all masks and art figures are kept from women as they are not allowed to see them, or be any part of them. NB: the above description represent external analysis by foreign collectors. Much detail

414-496: Is concentrated on the valley bottoms while the highlands have been extensively grazed since the 1940s, i.e. since the immigration of cattle graziers towards the end of British administration (it was part of British Cameroon until the referendum of 1959/61). There has been overgrazing and erosion has caused considerable problems from the late 1970s onwards. A smaller fraction of the Mambilla, migrants from Nyö or Mvũrr in southern Mambilla Plateau and other villages, are to be found on

460-524: Is excluded and local content is largely excluded in line with traditional norms. In late 2000, and thereafter, particularly on 1 January 2002 when Udawa Fulani mercenaries from Niger and Chad invaded the Mambilla Plateau, conflicts over land led to many Fulani herders being driven from the Mambilla Plateau and becoming refugees in Cameroon and other parts of Nigeria. (There were confirmed newspaper and official reports of Fulani mercenaries being brought into Mambilla). Similar troubles occurred on 17 June 2017 when

506-557: Is hilly with deep gorges, and travelers are constantly passing from one panoramic view to the other. The plateau is entirely covered by soil with occasional occurrence of granite . The plateau is dissected by many streams, notably the Donga River and Taraba River , with both having their sources on/from the Mambilla Plateau. The Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station is proposed for construction in Western Mambilla near

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552-431: Is hilly with deep gorges, and travelers are constantly passing from one panoramic view to the other. The plateau is entirely covered by soil with occasional occurrence of granite . The plateau is dissected by many streams, notably the Donga River and Taraba River , with both having their sources on/from the Mambilla Plateau. The Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station is proposed for construction in Western Mambilla near

598-520: Is located in the southeastern part of Taraba State of Nigeria under Sardauna local government area . The Mambilla Plateau constitutes one of Taraba State's largest local government areas. There are numerous towns on the plateau, with the largest being Gembu . The plateau has its south and eastern escarpments standing along the Cameroonian border, while the remainder of its northern escarpment and its western slope are in Nigeria. The Mambilla Plateau

644-460: Is located in the southeastern part of Taraba State of Nigeria under Sardauna local government area . The Mambilla Plateau constitutes one of Taraba State's largest local government areas. There are numerous towns on the plateau, with the largest being Gembu . The plateau has its south and eastern escarpments standing along the Cameroonian border, while the remainder of its northern escarpment and its western slope are in Nigeria. The Mambilla Plateau

690-509: Is the annual application of their color scheme of red, white, and black to functioning objects. The male figure had a small opening in the abdomen as a receptacle for food particles, while the female figure had a blocked off abdomen opening. The festivals celebrated in Mambilla include the Bol (November), Literr (February), Toshin (January–February), Mbà Sùu (April–June), Tírrìm (September), and Kàtìi (December). They are known by other nomenclatures in

736-602: Is the low, velvet grass akin to the English rat-tail grass, known locally here as "gwur" grass. It is a major ritual emblem of the local traditional religion. The plateau is the only region of Nigeria that grows the tea plant on a large scale and there are several tea farms, although the sector remains mostly underdeveloped. It is also home to the Gashaka Gumti National Park , which is the largest national park and protected area in all of Nigeria, as well as

782-467: Is the low, velvet grass akin to the English rat-tail grass, known locally here as "gwur" grass. It is a major ritual emblem of the local traditional religion. The plateau is the only region of Nigeria that grows the tea plant on a large scale and there are several tea farms, although the sector remains mostly underdeveloped. It is also home to the Gashaka Gumti National Park , which is the largest national park and protected area in all of Nigeria, as well as

828-729: Is the official language today, while Fulfulde (language of the Fulani, introduced in British times) has been employed as trade language in modern times. Christianity and Islam are the main religions today, having gradually displaced the Mambilla Traditional Religion that was based on the Suu system , which was the predominant religion before the coming of Christian missionaries (from the 1920s) and Hausa and Wawa itinerants. These new religions became particularly visible after

874-489: Is the official language today, while Fulfulde (language of the Fulani, introduced in British times) has been employed as trade language in modern times. Christianity and Islam are the main religions today, having gradually displaced the Mambilla Traditional Religion that was based on the Suu system , which was the predominant religion before the coming of Christian missionaries (from the 1920s) and Hausa and Wawa itinerants. These new religions became particularly visible after

920-609: The Mambilla people . The 60,000-km2 Mambilla region straddling the borderlands here has been identified as containing remnants of "the Bantu who stayed home" as the bulk of Bantu-speakers moved away from the region (see Bantu expansion ). Since the British occupation and thereafter, there has been immigration of other groups including the Yamba , Fulani and trading communities of Igbo , Wimbum (Kambu), Hausa and Banso . Of these, only

966-451: The Mambilla people . The 60,000-km2 Mambilla region straddling the borderlands here has been identified as containing remnants of "the Bantu who stayed home" as the bulk of Bantu-speakers moved away from the region (see Bantu expansion ). Since the British occupation and thereafter, there has been immigration of other groups including the Yamba , Fulani and trading communities of Igbo , Wimbum (Kambu), Hausa and Banso . Of these, only

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1012-458: The 1960s. [REDACTED] Media related to Mambilla Plateau at Wikimedia Commons Mambilla Plateau The Mambilla Plateau is a plateau in the Taraba State of Nigeria . The Mambilla Plateau has an average elevation of about 1,600 metres (5,249 ft) above sea level, making it the highest plateau in Nigeria. Some of its villages are situated on hills that are at least 1,828 metres (5,997 ft) above sea level. Some mountains on

1058-584: The Common Mambilla Dialect for Nigeria. A New Testament in Ju Ba is also available for speakers of Mambilla dialects on the Cameroon side of the border. Most Mambilla live on the Mambilla plateau with their modern capital at Bommi (Gembu in "Sardauna" Local Government). 6°42′50″N 11°15′00″E  /  6.713833°N 11.25002°E  / 6.713833; 11.25002  ( Gembu, Nigeria ) in Taraba State of Nigeria [Note that

1104-477: The Majang Forest known officially as Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve , both of which harbor rare and endangered West/Central African plant and animal species endemic to the area. The eucalyptus tree is the dominant tree is these man made forests as a result of the easily adaptability of the eucalyptus tree to the height and the cool climatic conditions on the plateau. The abundance of low lush green grasses on

1150-414: The Majang Forest known officially as Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve , both of which harbor rare and endangered West/Central African plant and animal species endemic to the area. The eucalyptus tree is the dominant tree is these man made forests as a result of the easily adaptability of the eucalyptus tree to the height and the cool climatic conditions on the plateau. The abundance of low lush green grasses on

1196-567: The Mambila culture are Tadep and Kike figures. Tadep depict male and female pairs usually carved from low density wood. They can also depict singular figures of multiples of one sex. Kike (Táké) are figures carved and made from the pith of raffia palm . and are larger statue type figures. These figures would often be placed inside of granaries , while other statues are displayed on the outside as well. These objects were sacra of associations related to illness and healing. Tadep and Kike were part of

1242-466: The Mbèrrbà around Kwanja emanated. The Mambila Plateau lies north of the grasslands. The inhabitants developed unique art styles of sculpture made of clay , terracotta , pith , and wood . Wood carving is done primarily by men, yet there is no one specific specialist. Tools are a creation of the carver themselves, creating tools as needed. Things like chisels, curved knives, straight knives are made by

1288-579: The Ndom or northern Tikar plain (see below) contrastively with neighbouring Mambilla on the highlands of the Mambilla plateau who can be referred to as "Bo ba bo", meaning "the Ba people". The populations of different Mambilla villages speak different dialects of Mambilla or closely related Mambiloid languages. They also share a set of closely related cultural practices, in particular a conjunction of masquerade and oath-taking called "Suu", "Shua", "Sua" or "Shuaga". In

1334-702: The Ndòm Plain (northern Tikar lowlands). For instance, Bol has an alternative name of "Lùm", which, though known, is less widely used on the Plateau except at Nyo, Mvua and other eastern villages. Gùbírr is celebrated in September too and begins at Dieb (Dembe). Men travel from village to village for festivities which include dance, sports, and form friendships that promote inter-village relations. Masks appear at Mbâ Sùu and can only be seen by men. There are many awe-instilling Sùu figures. The "Sùuburr" or " Sua Burr "

1380-566: The Nigeria-Cameroon border, within an anticipated completion date of 2030, although it has been on the drawing boards for upwards of 48 years. Nigeria's largest game reserve, the Gashaka/Gumti Game Reserve, is located north of Chappal Waddi on the northern border of the Mambilla Plateau. The climate of the plateau is comparatively cold. Daytime temperatures hardly ever exceed 25 °C (77.0 °F) making it

1426-419: The Nigeria-Cameroon border, within an anticipated completion date of 2030, although it has been on the drawing boards for upwards of 48 years. Nigeria's largest game reserve, the Gashaka/Gumti Game Reserve, is located north of Chappal Waddi on the northern border of the Mambilla Plateau. The climate of the plateau is comparatively cold. Daytime temperatures hardly ever exceed 25 °C (77.0 °F) making it

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1472-529: The Somie (Ndiba) dialect this is phonetically written as [ʃwaɣa]. See discussion in "Sua in Somie" cited below. A locally written French language historical source for Somie history is Zeitlyn Mial & Mbe 2000. The Mambila or Mambilla language is a congeries of dialects and related languages. The SIL Ethnologue database gives two codes MCU for the Cameroonian dialects and MZK for the Nigerian dialects. See

1518-497: The Suu or Suaga association. There are several eccentricities that set their art apart from other cultures. Mambila figures made of soft pith, and the attachment to shrines and sacred enclosures are something that only certain sexes are allowed to see. The pith figures were to act as embodiments of visiting ancestral spirits. Ancestral spirits guarded family treasures located within shrines by embodying these figurines. Another distinction

1564-572: The Yamba established some 4 old settlements upon their immigration. The rest of the new entrants lay no claim to ancestral lands, but are business or occupational migrants without ancient or ancestral villages of their own. All Banso and Kambu (Wimbum) villages are to be found only in Cameroon Republic, some quite distant from the Nigerian border. The vast majority of the people of Mambilla Plateau speak Mambilla as their first language. English

1610-452: The Yamba established some 4 old settlements upon their immigration. The rest of the new entrants lay no claim to ancestral lands, but are business or occupational migrants without ancient or ancestral villages of their own. All Banso and Kambu (Wimbum) villages are to be found only in Cameroon Republic, some quite distant from the Nigerian border. The vast majority of the people of Mambilla Plateau speak Mambilla as their first language. English

1656-433: The coolest region in Nigeria. Strong winds prevail during the daytime and the rainy season lasts from mid-March until the end of November. As a result of its high elevation, the plateau experiences temperate weather conditions but on a smaller scale because of its location in a tropical environment. The rainy season on the Mambilla Plateau is associated with frequent and heavy rainfall because of orographic activities on

1702-433: The coolest region in Nigeria. Strong winds prevail during the daytime and the rainy season lasts from mid-March until the end of November. As a result of its high elevation, the plateau experiences temperate weather conditions but on a smaller scale because of its location in a tropical environment. The rainy season on the Mambilla Plateau is associated with frequent and heavy rainfall because of orographic activities on

1748-622: The edge of the Ndòm (northern Tikar) Plain in Cameroon at the foot of the escarpment of the Mambilla Plateau. The principal Cameroonian villages are Mbèrr (Sonkolong), Atta and Ndiba ( Somié ). This is an area which, beginning from about A.D 1700, they, in a piece-meal fashion, progressively captured from the Twumwu, a pre-Tikar group that inhabited the Ndom Plain (Zeitlyn & Connell, 2003). At an altitude of some 700 m, these Ndòm villages live in

1794-552: The plateau and around it are over 2,000 metres (6,562 ft) high, like Gang or Chappal Waddi which has a height of 2,419 metres (7,936 ft) above sea level. It is the highest mountain in Nigeria and in West Africa . The Mambilla Plateau measures about 96 km (60 mi) along its curved length; it is 40 km (25 mi) wide and is bounded by an escarpment that is about 900 m (2,953 ft) high in some places. The plateau covers an area of over 9,389 square kilometres (3,625 sq mi). The Mambilla Plateau

1840-508: The plateau has attracted a large number of cattle, whose advent beginning during British rule affected the plateau's vegetation. This has resulted in overgrazing and widespread erosion on the plateau and has created problems between the cattle herders, referred to as the Fulanis and the indigenous people, the Mambila . The major, original and predominant group of the Mambilla Plateau are

1886-400: The plateau has attracted a large number of cattle, whose advent beginning during British rule affected the plateau's vegetation. This has resulted in overgrazing and widespread erosion on the plateau and has created problems between the cattle herders, referred to as the Fulanis and the indigenous people, the Mambila . The major, original and predominant group of the Mambilla Plateau are

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1932-566: The plateau involving moist winds from the south Atlantic Ocean in southern Nigeria and the steep escarpments of the plateau. The Mambilla Plateau receives over 1850 millimetres of rainfall annually. Vegetation on the plateau comprises low grasses with trees being noticeably absent except for man-made forest planted by German colonialists during the period of German administration of the Cameroons (c. 1906-1915) and other Nigerian government tree planting programs. The predominant vegetation cover

1978-510: The plateau involving moist winds from the south Atlantic Ocean in southern Nigeria and the steep escarpments of the plateau. The Mambilla Plateau receives over 1850 millimetres of rainfall annually. Vegetation on the plateau comprises low grasses with trees being noticeably absent except for man-made forest planted by German colonialists during the period of German administration of the Cameroons (c. 1906-1915) and other Nigerian government tree planting programs. The predominant vegetation cover

2024-513: The sculptor. Using these handmade tools leaves room for error and never leaves and entirely smooth surface. Sculptures with heart shaped faces symbolize the earliest artistic endeavors, while current mask display stylizations of birds, beasts, and humans. A majority of Mambila figures in the Mambila Plateau were taken by art traders in the 1960s and 1970s, leaving very few figures and sculptures to be documented. The most documented figures of

2070-457: The survey work of Bruce Connell on the VIMS website cited below, and the article on Mambiloid languages . The Common Mambilla or Tungbo Dialect is the most widely understood Mambilla dialect in Nigeria. It is also the literary language of Mambilla for the vast majority who inhabit the Mambilla Plateau. The Mambilla New Testament known as 'Li Fa' and several Mambilla Language study texts are written in

2116-528: The traditional and historical name of this local government area has been "Mambilla", and that the "Sardauna" misnomer is a modern imposition by external or non-indigenous peoples, particularly, in conjunction with the defunct Jega Government of 1984]. This is a highland plateau, the northerly continuation of the Bamenda grassfields. The plateau is dissected by many rivers (notably the River Donga) leaving

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