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Photographs of the Koramas, Northern Nigeria

 Fonds
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y3043L

Scope and Contents

A collection of photographs measuring approximately 160 x 115 mm. with pencilled captions on the reverse. The captions have been used as titles and may include language which is offensive, inaccurate or inappropriate. They have been retained to reflect the context of the collection's creation. The collection consists of clearly photographed views of Korama people and activities, with a few prints of Hausa and other ethnic groups.

The RCS typescript catalogue contains the following information: 'The Korama (or Kurama), who call themselves Akurmi or Forest People, inhabit the area north of the Katab tribe in Zaria Province north of Kagoro and west of Jos. Tribal mythology asserts a connection with Kano and in the early years of the century the more learned claimed to be able to trace the wanderings of the tribe back to the time they lived at Medina'.

Dates

  • Creation: 1900

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).

Biographical / Historical

The prints were originally contained in an envelope addressed to 'Cecil H. Firmin, Ladbroke, Kew, SW.' and it is assumed that he presented them to the Royal African Society, of which he was a member from 1907. Firmin was also a member of the Royal Colonial Institute (from 1903) his address being given in the 1912 list of Non-Resident Fellows as 'Government Railway, Bo, Sierra Leone'. He does not however appear in the civil establishment lists in either the Sierra Leone or Northern Nigeria Blue Books for the relevant period. It is probable that he was the photographer.

Extent

1 file(s) (14 images in 1 file)

Language of Materials

English

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

Good condition.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Presented by the Royal African Society.

Existence and Location of Copies

Several of the prints appear to have been marked up on the reverse for reproduction but no printed copies have been found. This collection is available on microfiche: Africa, fiche numbers 42-43.

Related Materials

C.H. Firmin may be the European seen in Y3043L/10.

Bibliography

Meek's detailed study of the Korama can be found in: Meek, C.K. (1931), Tribal Studies in Northern Nigeria, vol. 2, London: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner, p.164-184.

General

This collection level description was entered by KS using information from the original typescript catalogue.

Originator(s)

Firmin, Cecil H, fl 1900-1912

Includes index.
Date
2003-02-20 15:19:58+00:00
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Cambridge University Library Repository

Contact:
Cambridge University Library
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Cambridge CB3 9DR United Kingdom