Culture | Abujacity

CULTURE

ROYALTY AND POWER

THE EMIR'S COURT
A PHOTOGRAPHIC OVERVIEW

Court musicians play horns announcing Sallah

A cavalier prepares his horse's livery

Dressed in ceremonial finery, horses and riders parade majestically, projecting an image of heroic leadership.

It is said by the Hausa, "When people see a horse and rider, they will turn and look at him. They will see him and remember."

Royal cavalliers and their horses stand guard outside the palace. Their regalia is reminiscent of earlier forms of protective covering worn in battle by their ancestors.

The ceremonial harnesses on the horses are lavishly decorated with metallic tinsel, colourful embroidery, and leather applique.

They feature pairs of small silver or gold balls, containing medicinal packets to ward off danger.

Suspended from the reins are triangular leather pendants reminiscent of magical amulets known as laya, used to protect warriors against sword wounds.

They participate in a display known as Hawan Daushe, traditionally staged on the esplanade in front of the palace following the Sallah procession.

This event is a reminder of the former brilliance of katsina's cavalry.

Passing the cheering crowds, horse men race towards the Emir to show their allegiance.

Consisting of lightening fast charges by the royal bodyguards and titled officials, who rein their mounts to a sudden halt. The hawan Daushe simulates the traditional military manueuver of charging the enemy.

After proceeding through the various wards of Katsina to affirm his presence and renew contact with his followers, the Emir returns to his palace.

Wearing a gold cloak over a white robe and a turban that signal religious piety, the Emir, proceeds behind members of the aristocracy, and is surrounded by palace attendants in red turbans.

As the Emir enters his palace, his subjects race forward to salute him, raising arms with closed fists in a show of appreciation for their leader. Supreme head of the ruling dynasty, he holds the highest position of traditional power for both Hausa and Fulani communities of the Katsina emirate.

CREDITS Photographs and text From
AFRICAN CEREMONIES volume 1
Authors Carol Beckwith and Angela Fisher

Publishers Harry N. Abrams, Incorporated

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