MANDIL / BADDU THE ANCIENT KANURI HEADSCARF

Mandil / Baddu the Ancient kanuri headscarf. Mandil is a general name for scarf, but this very one is

known as Mandil baddu in the kanuri language.

The elderly Kanuri and Shuwa women use this headscarf more often. From this Headscarf you can identify Kanuri and Shuwa elderly women descents in any crowd or gathering such as in markets places, ceremonial gatherings or even during pilgrimage outside of their countries.

Although, presently we do not have any facts to why is this colourfully designed Headscarf is so popular in Borno and Yobe states amongst the Kanuris and the Shuwas, but in the 1960s through to the mid 1980s you need to be a Kaka-Hajja,Ya-Hajja or Hajja (a grandmother, mother or a young woman that performed pilgrimage) before wearing this Scarf. Although, presently we do not have any facts to why is this colourfully designed Headscarf is so popular in Borno and Yobe states amongst the Kanuris and the Shuwas, but in the 1960s through to the mid 1980s you need to be a Kaka-Hajja,Ya-Hajja or Hajja (a grandmother, mother or a young woman that performed pilgrimage) before wearing this Scarf. 

Time has changed that even younger ones that have never performed Hajj are wearing it in this present

days. Mandil Baddu is nowadays worn for occasions like Wushe wushe during weddings or cultural days at schools. And it has become popular amongst other tribes in Nigeria.

 By  Hindatu Abdullahi