The Art of Hausa Architecture

Hausa architecture from Northern Nigeria, is perhaps one of the least known but most beautiful aspects of Hausa culture. It has been in existence for thousands of years & is characterised by bright, colourful, intricately engraved buildings.

We explore Hausa architecture…

Hausa architecture is the architecture of the Hausa people of Northern Nigeria. Hausa architectural forms include mosques, walls, houses, public buildings and gates.

Traditional Hausa Mosque

Image credit Rashid Timbilla

---

The Hausa are the largest ethnic group in West and Central Africa made up of a diverse but culturally homogeneous people, predominantly based in the Sahelian and savannah areas of southern Niger and northern Nigeria.

Image credit Rabiu Yusuf

---

Hausa traditional architecture is an integral part of how Hausa people construct a sense of interrelatedness with their physical environment.

Image credit iammade on IG

---

The architecture of Hausa compound, which is the basic dwelling unit of an extended family, is an ordered hierarchy of spaces which adhere to an implicit cultural paradigm.

Image credit TravelAdventures.org

---

Hausa architecture is one influenced by Islam and results in a highly organized spatial structure that is used to express features of Hausa culture.

Image credit Pinterest / Unknown

---

Most Hausa architecture was made of simple materials such as mud, stones, grasses, corn stalks and straws for thatch roofing.

Image credit Georges Courreges

---

The muds are made into tubali-sun-dried bricks, a mix of straw and mud is used to make concrete wall plastering. The entrance into the compounds is usually indoor arcs.

Image credit Jacques Maquet

---

Hausa architecture is 100% sustainable and 100% non-toxic. The materials used are produced in a 100% sustainable manner. The technology and skills needed to build them is transferrable to the next generation.

Image credit Andrea Rossler

---

The traditional Hausa architecture can be categorised into three: calligraphy, surface design and ornamental. Some of such designs are still common and mostly found in the Emir palaces in various northern cities.

Traditional Hausa architecture, Kano, Nigeria

Image credit Naijabiography.com

---

Though few original earth structures remain, aside from a number of carefully preserved monuments and mosques, this method of building continues to be an enduring cultural practice among rural communities throughout the continent.

Image credit wikivoyage.com

---

Traditionally, Hausa builders have considered the roof as the most challenging part of the construction, both owing to the technology required to support the structure and the decoration that is applied to it.

Image credit Joe Penney / Reuters

---

In Hausa traditional architectural decoration, the wall engravings are designed by traditional builders, these used a range of abstract and decorative motifs depending on their experience that include Hausa motifs and relief patterns as well as arabesque motifs.

Image credit Pinterest / Unknown

---

Hausa traditional builders, who like artisans are highly skilled at handwork & can draw out freehand patterns directly onto the surface of walls before carving out their designs.

Image credit Localguidesconnect.com

---

The most common motifs used in Hausa designs are; the Dagi knot, the staff of office and the sword, & several abstract motifs, initially, these motifs would be larger & used moderately, but in the 20th century, new builders used smaller motifs that interlaced with each other.

Image credit Isaac Samuel, African History Extra

---

Consequently, the complexity of a facade decoration usually demonstrates the wealth and social standing of the property’s owner.

Image credit Sam Waldolk

---

A fine example of Hausa architecture is the flamboyant Emir's Palace within the ancient city of Zazzau (Zaria).

Image credit Wikiwand

---

Another key element of Hausa architecture are the pinnacles, or Zankwaye. Zankwaye are a classic feature of the Hausa building, manifesting in various shapes and sizes, and giving the structures their characteristic form.

Image credit King Njoya Pinterest

---

Like the horns of a bull, Zankwaye were originally reinforced vertical projections around the parapet wall of the roof, handily providing builders with a way to climb up onto the roof during construction or repairs.

Image credit Jordi Zaragoza Angles

---

The increasing interest in using modern building materials to make traditional Hausa constructions not only be for cultural continuity, but also as part of the movement towards sustainable architecture; creating buildings that are durable, affordable & culturally enriching.

Image credit The Other Nigeria

---

Sources of Inspiration & Information

https://somethingcurated.com/2022/01/11/a-history-of-hausa-architecture/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468227619307033

https://www.ibrahimharuna.com/lectures/HAUSA_TRADITIONAL_ARCHITECTURE.pdf

https://www.africanhistoryextra.com/p/hausa-urban-architecture-construction

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335475924_The_practice_of_Hausa_traditional_architecture_Towards_conservation_and_restoration_of_spatial_morphology_and_techniques

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hausa_architecture

If you like this article, join us at our upcoming online event and learn more about Islamic architecture...

Islamic Architecture – Preserving the Past & Reimagining the Future

July 20, 2023, 1:00 – 2:30 PM|Online Event

Register Now