KANTA MUSEUM: THE CHARM OF ARGUNGU

Kanta Museum Popularly known as “Charm of Argungu”, was named after Muhammed Kanta, who is said to be the founder of the Kebbi Kingdom. The Kanta Museum once served as the Emir’s palace until 1942 when the British built a new administrative palace during the reign of Muhammed Sani. It offers an insight into the turbulent history of Kebbi State and converted to a museum to house Argungu’s cultural heritage.

The Emir, Alhaji Samaila Mera, comes into the museum every Friday after the Jumat service to pay homage to his ancestors by sitting for a time on the ancient throne. Not surprising, since the museum also serves as a royal tomb; all past Emirs of Kebbi kingdom have been interred there.

The museum is divided into eleven compartments and has a notable collection of weapons, consisting of charms, spears, swords, wood, stones, bows and arrows, local guns and even drums on display.

The Kanta Museum is quite a fascinating treasure house and a tourist delight for those seeking a more reflective experience of Argungu and its environs. It retains its historic charm; and the view from ou

tside is of ancient northern Nigerian structure and edifice.

The history of Kebbi state can never be adequately told without a mention of the Argungu fishing festival, which is the culmination of a four-day cultural event in Kebbi State. Thousands of fishermen line up like an ancient army, carrying their traditional nets and gourds. At the sound of the gun, they pound towards the narrow river Matan Fada and leap into the water. They have just one hour to catch the biggest fish. The festival is not limited to the fishing alone. During the festival, there are various cultural, musical and sporting events as well.

Kebbi State came into being in 1991 and is called the ‘Home of Ancient’. The State was created out of the old Sokoto State. The capital is Birnin-Kebbi. Its major towns include Birnin -Kebbi, Argungu and Yelwa.

Agriculture accounts for a substantial part of the State’s economy. Food crops include Guinea corn, Rice, Onions and Millet, while cash crops include groundnut and cotton. A large percentage of the people are farmers. Kebbi is made up of four major tribes, which include Hausa, Fulani, Dakarkari and Gungawa. Kebbi State is famous for traditional arts and crafts such as beads, swords and glassware.

Culled from www.travel.ng.org