Author : Salah M. Hassan
Publisher : Edwin Mellen Press
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 428 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (91 download)
Book Synopsis Art and Islamic Literacy Among the Hausa of Northern Nigeria by : Salah M. Hassan
Download or read book Art and Islamic Literacy Among the Hausa of Northern Nigeria written by Salah M. Hassan and published by Edwin Mellen Press. This book was released on 1992 with total page 428 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Taking a perspective based on folk lore, this text is an ethnographic study of the tools, artifacts, and other expressions of the material culture of literacy as it is found in the clerics' diverse activities within the context of the Hausa society in northern Nigeria. This study fills a gap in African data by addressing how informational, magical, as well as aesthetic potentials of the written word have been adapted in local contexts. It explores the origins of the diverse roles and types of malams (represented primarily by malaman Qur'ani and malaman Ilmi). The history and origin of the current calligraphic styles adapted and developed by the Hausa malams are investigated as a guide to understanding calligraphic designs and writings on manuscripts, charms, amulets, Qur'anic boards, architectural decorations, and other artifacts.