Source mayowablades
"The Kanuri people, constituting the majority in Bornu state, northeastern Nigeria, are a fascinating African community. Historically, they played a pivotal role in trans-Saharan trade, establishing the powerful Bornu Empire, which reached its zenith in the 16th century. The Kanuri have embraced Islam since the 11th century, following the Malikite code of Islamic law.
Economically, their foundation lies in millet agriculture, supplemented by peanuts as a significant cash crop in recent times. Settlements are primarily in villages and towns, where the sandy soil is cultivated for sustenance. The capital, Maiduguri, serves as the focal point of Bornu state.
Socially, Kanuri society exhibits stratification with distinct classes. The Shehu's family, holding both political and religious authority, forms a royal lineage. The Kanuri are known for their well-developed internal trade, engaging with Shuwa Arab and Fulani herders for various goods. Polygyny is common, and household units vary from nuclear families to polygynous families living in compounds with houses made of sun-dried mud bricks."
Source mayowablades
