Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, fromthe...
Transcript of Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, fromthe...
![Page 1: Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, fromthe ...llacan.vjf.cnrs.fr/AdaGram/talks/SAM_Culture_EN_200610_SLIDES.pdf · The Isam believe in the reunion with spirit ancestors](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022071223/607f0a431268716363565b4c/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, from the observer’s perspective
Eveling [email protected]
1
![Page 2: Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, fromthe ...llacan.vjf.cnrs.fr/AdaGram/talks/SAM_Culture_EN_200610_SLIDES.pdf · The Isam believe in the reunion with spirit ancestors](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022071223/607f0a431268716363565b4c/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
Socio-cultural Characteristics
2
![Page 3: Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, fromthe ...llacan.vjf.cnrs.fr/AdaGram/talks/SAM_Culture_EN_200610_SLIDES.pdf · The Isam believe in the reunion with spirit ancestors](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022071223/607f0a431268716363565b4c/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
3
The Isam community is lead by men. They occupy
positions of power within the villages and they represent
their people at a national level.
Women are in charge of children and the household, but in many cases, they also
finantially support their homes.
Kpane Isam (Current chief of Kpasham)
![Page 4: Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, fromthe ...llacan.vjf.cnrs.fr/AdaGram/talks/SAM_Culture_EN_200610_SLIDES.pdf · The Isam believe in the reunion with spirit ancestors](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022071223/607f0a431268716363565b4c/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
Location
The Isam people are located between the Taraba and Adamawa states of Nigeria. There are three main villages located along the main road: Kpasham [kpaʃam], Dakli [dagli ], and Dem [dem]. Picture: Satellite view of the mountain
![Page 5: Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, fromthe ...llacan.vjf.cnrs.fr/AdaGram/talks/SAM_Culture_EN_200610_SLIDES.pdf · The Isam believe in the reunion with spirit ancestors](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022071223/607f0a431268716363565b4c/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
The mountain
Original settlement of Isam ancestors
Strategically located.
Water supplies available around.
Summit used for protection against wild animals and
enemies.
5
![Page 6: Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, fromthe ...llacan.vjf.cnrs.fr/AdaGram/talks/SAM_Culture_EN_200610_SLIDES.pdf · The Isam believe in the reunion with spirit ancestors](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022071223/607f0a431268716363565b4c/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
6
According to Isam believes, it is in the mountain where
god-spirits linger, and human souls rest before
the afterlife
Picture: Dry-season view of the mountain.Julius Philip Giroh
![Page 7: Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, fromthe ...llacan.vjf.cnrs.fr/AdaGram/talks/SAM_Culture_EN_200610_SLIDES.pdf · The Isam believe in the reunion with spirit ancestors](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022071223/607f0a431268716363565b4c/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
7
Nowadays, the mountain is the ceremonial ground for various festivals and
funerals.
![Page 8: Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, fromthe ...llacan.vjf.cnrs.fr/AdaGram/talks/SAM_Culture_EN_200610_SLIDES.pdf · The Isam believe in the reunion with spirit ancestors](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022071223/607f0a431268716363565b4c/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
8
Material Culture
![Page 9: Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, fromthe ...llacan.vjf.cnrs.fr/AdaGram/talks/SAM_Culture_EN_200610_SLIDES.pdf · The Isam believe in the reunion with spirit ancestors](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022071223/607f0a431268716363565b4c/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
Traditional housing
A traditional Isam compound is characterized by the use of at least one basic round hut made of clay or mud-bricks, a straw-grass rooftop, and a dry grass fence that surrounds the area.
![Page 10: Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, fromthe ...llacan.vjf.cnrs.fr/AdaGram/talks/SAM_Culture_EN_200610_SLIDES.pdf · The Isam believe in the reunion with spirit ancestors](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022071223/607f0a431268716363565b4c/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
10
Traditional housing (continued)
They create mud bricks and assemble straw-grass for roofing and fencing.
![Page 11: Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, fromthe ...llacan.vjf.cnrs.fr/AdaGram/talks/SAM_Culture_EN_200610_SLIDES.pdf · The Isam believe in the reunion with spirit ancestors](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022071223/607f0a431268716363565b4c/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
Roofing
11
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmSVgxh-FAs&t=3s
![Page 12: Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, fromthe ...llacan.vjf.cnrs.fr/AdaGram/talks/SAM_Culture_EN_200610_SLIDES.pdf · The Isam believe in the reunion with spirit ancestors](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022071223/607f0a431268716363565b4c/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
12
Non-traditional structures are
square cement buildings.
Most schools, the medical center,
some private homes, and the
majority of churches.
Picture: LCCN Church of Kpasham.[From left to right]: Julius P. Giroh, Elder David Tiyina, Elvanus Elkanah Mijah.
![Page 13: Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, fromthe ...llacan.vjf.cnrs.fr/AdaGram/talks/SAM_Culture_EN_200610_SLIDES.pdf · The Isam believe in the reunion with spirit ancestors](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022071223/607f0a431268716363565b4c/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
Religion
• The Isam community has two religions: Christianity and traditional religion called ɲuku.
• Most people abide by both doctrines.
![Page 14: Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, fromthe ...llacan.vjf.cnrs.fr/AdaGram/talks/SAM_Culture_EN_200610_SLIDES.pdf · The Isam believe in the reunion with spirit ancestors](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022071223/607f0a431268716363565b4c/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
14
Detail of the caves at Bagong (the mountain)
![Page 15: Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, fromthe ...llacan.vjf.cnrs.fr/AdaGram/talks/SAM_Culture_EN_200610_SLIDES.pdf · The Isam believe in the reunion with spirit ancestors](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022071223/607f0a431268716363565b4c/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
Subsistence
15
They are agriculturalists.
Due to the sharp climatic variations in the area, the majority of the population is dedicated to seasonal farming.
![Page 16: Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, fromthe ...llacan.vjf.cnrs.fr/AdaGram/talks/SAM_Culture_EN_200610_SLIDES.pdf · The Isam believe in the reunion with spirit ancestors](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022071223/607f0a431268716363565b4c/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
![Page 17: Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, fromthe ...llacan.vjf.cnrs.fr/AdaGram/talks/SAM_Culture_EN_200610_SLIDES.pdf · The Isam believe in the reunion with spirit ancestors](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022071223/607f0a431268716363565b4c/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
Primary crops
17
Groundnuts, Bambara nuts, rice, maize, corn, guinea corn, cassava, and yam.
They celebrate Yale [jaale ] “the harvest feast” during the entire month of November.
Photo: Elder David Tiyina farming Guinea corn
![Page 18: Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, fromthe ...llacan.vjf.cnrs.fr/AdaGram/talks/SAM_Culture_EN_200610_SLIDES.pdf · The Isam believe in the reunion with spirit ancestors](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022071223/607f0a431268716363565b4c/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
Harvest feast
[jaale ]
• Gratitude towards the godɲebie. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ax2Z45IQwGY 18
![Page 19: Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, fromthe ...llacan.vjf.cnrs.fr/AdaGram/talks/SAM_Culture_EN_200610_SLIDES.pdf · The Isam believe in the reunion with spirit ancestors](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022071223/607f0a431268716363565b4c/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
Traditional Grinding https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOs7JVQYkVY
19Photo: Azara Karon at Zonghe
![Page 20: Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, fromthe ...llacan.vjf.cnrs.fr/AdaGram/talks/SAM_Culture_EN_200610_SLIDES.pdf · The Isam believe in the reunion with spirit ancestors](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022071223/607f0a431268716363565b4c/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
Social structure
There is a total of thirteen clans in Kpasham sub-grouped as the diagram shows. Each of them have specific functions and responsibilities in traditional ceremonies.
Dem and Dakli have their own clan system.
![Page 21: Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, fromthe ...llacan.vjf.cnrs.fr/AdaGram/talks/SAM_Culture_EN_200610_SLIDES.pdf · The Isam believe in the reunion with spirit ancestors](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022071223/607f0a431268716363565b4c/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
• The Isam kingdom has two chiefs: one from the village of Kpasham and another from the village of Dem.
• Inhabitants of Dakliare under the rulership of Kpasham.
21
![Page 22: Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, fromthe ...llacan.vjf.cnrs.fr/AdaGram/talks/SAM_Culture_EN_200610_SLIDES.pdf · The Isam believe in the reunion with spirit ancestors](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022071223/607f0a431268716363565b4c/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
The Elder’s Forum
They are a group
of men from all
clans to whom
people address
problems or
concerns before
establishing a
case in front of
the chief.
![Page 23: Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, fromthe ...llacan.vjf.cnrs.fr/AdaGram/talks/SAM_Culture_EN_200610_SLIDES.pdf · The Isam believe in the reunion with spirit ancestors](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022071223/607f0a431268716363565b4c/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
23
Rite of passage: [binzulum ]
Entering a new restricted social group.
Age-group [e m]: people from the same
year of birth.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQZ3Du7
7prs
![Page 24: Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, fromthe ...llacan.vjf.cnrs.fr/AdaGram/talks/SAM_Culture_EN_200610_SLIDES.pdf · The Isam believe in the reunion with spirit ancestors](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022071223/607f0a431268716363565b4c/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
Coming of age:[bohe kuni]
• Boys become men.
• They learn to hunt.
• Show endurance to gain independence.
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gr808Ks3zY
24
![Page 25: Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, fromthe ...llacan.vjf.cnrs.fr/AdaGram/talks/SAM_Culture_EN_200610_SLIDES.pdf · The Isam believe in the reunion with spirit ancestors](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022071223/607f0a431268716363565b4c/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
Language
• The Isam people are speakers of Nyesam [ɲe sam]
• Glottocode:kpas1242/ISO: 639-3 (pbn)
• There are fifteen thousand speakers.
• It is threatened.
Classification:
![Page 26: Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, fromthe ...llacan.vjf.cnrs.fr/AdaGram/talks/SAM_Culture_EN_200610_SLIDES.pdf · The Isam believe in the reunion with spirit ancestors](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022071223/607f0a431268716363565b4c/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
Education: in Hausa
26
![Page 27: Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, fromthe ...llacan.vjf.cnrs.fr/AdaGram/talks/SAM_Culture_EN_200610_SLIDES.pdf · The Isam believe in the reunion with spirit ancestors](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022071223/607f0a431268716363565b4c/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
The Isam community is characterized by a great sense of
hospitality and conviviality with other ethnic and linguistic
groups of the area.
![Page 28: Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, fromthe ...llacan.vjf.cnrs.fr/AdaGram/talks/SAM_Culture_EN_200610_SLIDES.pdf · The Isam believe in the reunion with spirit ancestors](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022071223/607f0a431268716363565b4c/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
28
Traditional Game: Serata [sərata]
Only women play.
Clapping and chanting.
Fosters trust among players.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBIID
ZeRVws
![Page 29: Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, fromthe ...llacan.vjf.cnrs.fr/AdaGram/talks/SAM_Culture_EN_200610_SLIDES.pdf · The Isam believe in the reunion with spirit ancestors](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022071223/607f0a431268716363565b4c/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
Hunter’s culture
![Page 30: Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, fromthe ...llacan.vjf.cnrs.fr/AdaGram/talks/SAM_Culture_EN_200610_SLIDES.pdf · The Isam believe in the reunion with spirit ancestors](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022071223/607f0a431268716363565b4c/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
Hunter’s Feast [binwobe ]
• Tribute to the best hunter.
• The dance takes place around the head of the biggest animal caught during the hunting time.
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNv2gNZzIME
30
![Page 31: Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, fromthe ...llacan.vjf.cnrs.fr/AdaGram/talks/SAM_Culture_EN_200610_SLIDES.pdf · The Isam believe in the reunion with spirit ancestors](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022071223/607f0a431268716363565b4c/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
Important Objects
31
![Page 32: Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, fromthe ...llacan.vjf.cnrs.fr/AdaGram/talks/SAM_Culture_EN_200610_SLIDES.pdf · The Isam believe in the reunion with spirit ancestors](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022071223/607f0a431268716363565b4c/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
Death and funerals
The Isam believe in the reunion with spirit ancestors in the afterlife.
The passing of an old person is celebrated while the death of a younger member of the community is grievous.
Christian families abide by the rules and customs of traditional heritage too.
![Page 33: Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, fromthe ...llacan.vjf.cnrs.fr/AdaGram/talks/SAM_Culture_EN_200610_SLIDES.pdf · The Isam believe in the reunion with spirit ancestors](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022071223/607f0a431268716363565b4c/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
• Intimate celebration of death, similar to a wake. Members of the family sing special songs from the clan, prior to the public burial. It is the corpse of a very old woman, and as such, it is revered, honored, and prayed upon for her parting towards the spirit land.
33
![Page 34: Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, fromthe ...llacan.vjf.cnrs.fr/AdaGram/talks/SAM_Culture_EN_200610_SLIDES.pdf · The Isam believe in the reunion with spirit ancestors](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022071223/607f0a431268716363565b4c/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
Thank you!
34
![Page 35: Socio-cultural characteristics of the Isam people, fromthe ...llacan.vjf.cnrs.fr/AdaGram/talks/SAM_Culture_EN_200610_SLIDES.pdf · The Isam believe in the reunion with spirit ancestors](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022071223/607f0a431268716363565b4c/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
35
Adagram:http://llacan.vjf.cnrs.fr/
AdaGram/nyesam.html
Nyesam Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXb21qtNEpqXZKB3F8b5pmA
@Adamawanist: https://www.instagram.com/adamawanist/?hl=en
To know more visit