THE TIV PEOPLE

TIV PEOPLE

Tiv or Tivi is an ethno-linguistic group or ethnic nation in West Africa. The Tiv are situated in Benue State, in middle-belt region of Nigeria. The group constitutes appropriately 7% of Nigeria’s population, and number about 3.5million individuals throughout Nigeria. As at 1991, the Tiv language was spoken by about 2.2million people in Nigeria, with a few speakers in Cameroon. Majority of the language speakers are found in Benue State, while few others are found in Plateau, Taraba, Nasarawa and Cross River, as well as FCT Abuja of Nigeria. Most Tiv have a highly developed sense of genealogy, with descent being reckoned patrilineal.
Ancestry is traced to an ancient individual named Tiv, who had two sons; all Tiv consider themselves a descendant of either Ichongo or Ipusu.

The Tiv had no administrative divisions and no chiefs nor councils. Leadership was based on age, influence and affluence. The leader’s functions were to furnish safe conduct, arbitrate disputes within lineage, sit on moots and lead their people in all external and internal affairs.

Tiv Elders

Locally made musical instruments were traditionally used for political and ceremonial communication. The key instruments include;

·        Kakaki

·        Ilyu

·        Indyer

·        Akya

·        Adiguve

·        Gbande

·        Orfindin (Ortyom) – messenger

·        Kolugh ku Bua – Cow horn.

The Tiv people of Benue State still practice some of this traditional system of communication. Nevertheless, the increase in the Western world media is threatening the cultural communication system. 

Notable People include:

·        Wantaregh Paul Unongo

·        Jerome Tilley-Gyado

·        John Mark Inienger

The Tiv have the following events:

·        Akata fishing festival

·        Kwagh-hir (Tiv puppet show)

·        Mzough U-Tiv (Tiv National Day)

SOME OF THEIR TOTEMS ARE:

·        The Green snake (Ikyarem) is believed to have helped the Tiv people to cross River Congo in Central Africa.

·        The Parrot (Allor) is believed to bring bad Omen in the community whenever it cries.

·        Okpo-one (Stream) is the treasure of the community. The people do not eat the fishes found in this stream.

The Tiv people are known for the SWANGE DANCE

FOOD

Some foods eaten by the people are:

·        Atuu

·        Gbodi

·        Aninge

·        Nune

·        Vambe

·        Akpu (fermented Cassava)

·        Ruam Kumen (Pounded yam)

Tina Balldance

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