Photo: Lamar Mickens – Children Of The Sun
For centuries, the African continent has been a source of wonder, awe and admiration among travelers and historians alike. The thousands of majestic empires, kingdoms and civilizations that existed before they were invaded, conquered and re-named by foreign powers are still a source of fascination even today. One such civilization is known as the Kanem-Bornu Empire which existed in parts of what is now Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, Libya and Chad.
A 16th century traveler who visited the central African civilization was mesmerized by the gold “stirrups, spurs, bits and buckles” used by the emperor’s cavalry as well as “chains of the finest gold” worn by his dogs. Let’s take a closer look at this fascinating culture to uncover its rich history.
CE is an abbreviation for Common Era.BCE is short for Before Common Era. The Common Era begins with year 1. CE and BCE are used in exactly the same way as the traditional abbreviations AD (In the year of the Lord) and BC (Before Christ).
A Brief Overview Of Kanem-Borno Civilization The Kanem–Bornu Empire is believed to have been established around 500 AD when an ancient nomadic people called the Sayfawa migrated from modern day Niger into what is now Northeast Nigeria. Over time, their kingdom grew to encompass much of Central Africa with its capital at N’jimi or Ngazargamu situated close to Lake Chad.
It was ruled by a succession of 30 dynasties from 500AD until it was finally annexed by France in 1900AD. At its zenith between 1380 – 1808 AD under Sultan Idris Alooma’s rule and was one of the largest empires ever seen on African soil.
The emirate developed a highly organized political structure which governed the empire with efficiency and success for centuries before its demise during the colonial era. The ruling class formed alliances through intermarriages between members of different clans while religious beliefs were based on animism with an emphasis on ancestor worship which brought peace and stability within their domain.
During this period even women held positions of power with some ruling as monarchs in their own right like Queen Amina who reigned over Zazzau between 1576 -1610 AD or Queen Bakwa Turkama III who took over from her father in 1778 AD. This system ensured that there was always a female regent ready to take over if no male heir was available. Additionally, trade flourished due to strategic alliances between different clans particularly in areas where resources such as salt were scarce .
Their strong trading ties with external partners across North Africa enabled them to bring home all sorts of exotic goods including ivory, ostrich feathers, spices, fabrics etc.
16th century travelers to the Kanem-Bornu Empire in precolonial Africa were prone to comment on the empire’s remarkable wealth as evidenced by their lavish lifestyle. Even the cavalry of the emperor and his dogs wore golden shackles that would make any 16th century aristocrat mesmerized.
It was no wonder these extravagances commanded such admiration from onlookers, even more so considering the intricate design and artistic craftsmanship used to create these luxury pieces. Such details helped define this grand empire with its rich culture and vivid history.
Conclusion:
The legacy left behind by the Kanem-Borno civilization has shaped many aspects of life in Central Africa even after their demise following French annexation in 1900AD. From political structures based on intermarriage alliances between clans to trading practices founded on mutual benefit rather than exploitation, there is much to learn from this intriguing empires about how Africans managed their affairs for centuries before colonization changed their course.
