Bida History
Bida is a historic town located in Niger State, North-Central Nigeria. It serves as the headquarters of the Bida Local Government Area and is widely recognized as the traditional seat of the Nupe Kingdom, under the leadership of the Etsu Nupe. Historically, Bida gained prominence in the mid-19th century as the political and cultural center of the Nupe people after the decline of the old Nupe capital, Raba. The town became well-known for its strong traditional institutions, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant local industries, particularly brass work, glass bead-making, weaving, and blacksmithing, which have continued to attract both local and international visitors (Audu, 2020).
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN BIDA
We have partnered with local hotels, shuttles, and travel guides so all you have to worry about is what to wear.
Create a new trip with a location and detailed itinerary on our new trips page, also see all your previous trips.
Bida Artifacts
Ready to explore a rich world of Bida heritage and craftsmanship? From the intricate Bida terracotta water vessel to the symbolic Nupe stool, a traditional piece of furniture from the Nupe people of Nigeria, Bida artifacts offer a unique window into a powerful tradition.
From the Bida Plate Ammunition: a profound symbol of resilience crafted from shell casings, to the utilitarian, yet beautiful, Nupe wood vessels, these artifacts tell a captivating story of innovation, cultural reclamation, and the transformation of everyday materials into enduring art.
Inspiration starts here.
Scroll, study, and discover the next artifact that will captivate your mind.
Featured Destinations
Featured Cultural Attractions
Bida Nupe Cuisine
Traditional Nupe cuisine, prominent in Bida and across Nupeland, includes a variety of stews, porridges, and snacks that feature staples like rice, guinea corn, and fish. Main dishes and stews ##Tuwo Shinkafa: A thick, smooth swallow made from pounded rice, often served alongside a variety of Nupe soups. ##Eje Jekafa: A popular Nupe meal consisting of pounded rice (similar to Tuwo Shinkafa) served with Ezowa—a special bean soup. ##Ezowa (Nupe Beans Soup): A nutritious bean soup that can be made with dry fish and served with Tuwo Shinkafa or Eje Jekafa. ##Eni Ikan Fun Furu (Catfish Stew): A flavorful, indigenous stew made from catfish, onions, palm oil, and spices. It is typically served with rice. ##Eni Ningbana: A soup made from ground millet. ##Eni Kpanmi: A Nupe version of okra soup. ##Eni Ebeshe: A soup made from pumpkin. Snacks and local delicacies ##Bida Biscuit (Kuli-Kuli): A crunchy, spicy snack made from groundnuts and traditional Tapa spices. This is a locally certified and packaged product from Bida. ##Masa: Fluffy fried or baked rice cakes. ##Groundnut oil: A product frequently sold in local markets in Bida.
Bida Masquerade
Bida masquerades are a significant part of the Nupe people's traditions in Nigeria, known as Ndako Gboya and Gboya, which appear during cultural events like the Bariki Festival. These spiritual figures, believed to represent ancestral spirits, perform rhythmic dances during the festivals, which are characterized by large masks, drumming, and sometimes a combination of dance, music, and spiritual reverence. The masquerades are an integral part of the community's cultural expression, connecting the living to their roots. ##Nupe masquerades: The specific names for the Bida masquerades include Ndako Gboya and Gboya. ###Cultural significance: They are believed to embody ancestral spirits and play a vital role in community festivals and ceremonies. ###Event appearance: They are prominent features at the Bariki Festival, a celebration that takes place in Bida, Niger State. ###Performance style: Their appearances are marked by elaborate masks, drumming, chanting, and rhythmic, symbolic dances. ###Spiritual connection: The performances reinforce the spiritual connection between the living and the spirits of the land. ####Other related traditions: The Igunnu festival is another Nupe masquerade tradition that originated with the Nupe people and is celebrated in areas where they have settled.
Bida cultural attire
Bida cultural attire, originating from the Nupe people of Niger State, Nigeria, is characterized by a three-color palette: red for warriors, green for agriculture, and blue representing the River Niger. These colors are used in traditional Nupe clothing, often seen in vibrant outfits during cultural events and festivals. **Symbolism: The colors hold deep meaning: ***Red: Represents the Nupe people's history as warriors. ***Green: Symbolizes their strength and connection to agriculture. ***Blue: Stands for the importance of the River Niger. **Context: You can see this attire worn by Nupe people in Bida during cultural events and festivals, such as when singers and musicians praise the Etsu Nupe. **Craftsmanship: The attire is part of the region's rich artistic tradition, which includes other crafts like brass casting and weaving.
Bida Eid Kabir
Bida Eid Kabir" refers to Eid al-Adha celebrations in Bida, Nigeria, a significant Islamic festival that commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son to Allah. In the ancient city of Bida, these celebrations are historically marked by the traditional Hawan Bariki, a cultural event featuring horse and camel riding, vibrant displays, and visits by the Emir of Nupe to the ruling houses to conclude the festivities.