RIVERS STATE UNIVERSITY

NKPOLU- OROWORUKWO, PORT HARCOURT

ASSIGNMENT ON
(1) TRACE THE HISTORY OF YOUR TOWN PR VILLAGE, STATING

HOW INFORMATION IS STORED FROM ANCIENT TIME TO

THE PRESENT

(2) DESCRIBE THE TYPE OF MUSIC, DANCE, FOOD, ATTAIRE,

FESTIVAL, MARRIAGE AND RELIGION IN KHANA LOCAL

GOVERNMENT

NAME: NEEDAM JOSEPHINE

MAT NO: DE.2023/1374

LEVEL: 100 LEVELS

FACULTY: COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA STUDIES

DEPARPARTMENT: CINEMATOGRAPHY AND BRAODCAST STUDY

COURSE TITLE:USE OF LITARARY STUDY SKILLS/ICT

COURSE CODE: RSU-BCS 147

LECTURER

DR. LASBERYADINDU

FEBRUARY, 2024
TRACE THE HISTORY OF YOUR TOWN PR VILLAGE, STATING HOW

INFORMATION IS STORED FROM ANCIENT TIME TO THE PRESENT

The history of Khana Local Government Area in Bori, Rivers State, Nigeria, is rich

and fascinating, with a legacy that dates back to ancient times. Throughout the

years, information about the area's history has been stored in various forms, from

oral traditions to written records, providing a valuable insight into the culture,

traditions, and heritage of the Khana people.

Ancient Times

The history of Khana Local Government Area can be traced back to ancient times

when the area was inhabited by indigenous communities. These communities had

their own oral traditions and songs that served as a means of preserving and

passing down historical information from one generation to the next. This oral

tradition was a vital part of the culture and identity of the Khana people, and it

played a significant role in storing information about their history and heritage.

Some of the key elements of Khana's ancient history have been passed down

through oral traditions, and it is through the retelling of stories and legends that

historians have pieced together the early history of the area. For example, the

stories of the founding of the various clans within Khana, the origins of their

customs and traditions, and the struggles and triumphs of their ancestors have been

preserved through oral narratives and passed down from generation to generation.
Colonial Era

With the arrival of European colonizers in the 19th century, the history of Khana

was documented in written records. British colonial administrators began to keep

written records of the area, including reports, maps, and accounts of their

interactions with the indigenous communities. These records provided valuable

insight into the social, political, and economic conditions of the Khana people

during the colonial era. One significant source of historical information from this

period is the colonial archives, which contain a wealth of documents related to the

administration of Khana and the surrounding areas. These documents shed light on

the impact of colonialism on the Khana people, including the introduction of new

political systems, changes in land ownership, and the spread of Christianity.

In addition to written records, the colonial era also saw the introduction of

photography and other visual media, which further contributed to the storage of

historical information about Khana. Photographs of people, places, and events

from this period provide a visual record of the area's history and offer valuable

insights into the cultural and social life of the Khana people during the colonial era

Independence and Post-Independence Era

Following Nigeria's independence in 1960, the history of Khana continued to be

documented through written records, including government reports, academic

studies, and publications by local historians and scholars. These sources provided a

more comprehensive understanding of the area's history, including its pre-colonial

heritage, the impact of independence, and the challenges and opportunities that

emerged in the post-independence era. As the world entered the digital age, new

forms of information storage emerged, including digitized archives, online

databases, and digital libraries. These digital resources have made historical

information more accessible and have facilitated the preservation and

dissemination of the history of Khana Local Government Area to a broader

audience.

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of

preserving and promoting the history of Khana, leading to initiatives aimed at

cultural preservation, heritage conservation, and the documentation of oral

traditions. These efforts have included the establishment of local museums,

cultural centers, and heritage sites, which serve as repositories of historical

information and as platforms for promoting the history and culture of Khana.

Today, the history of Khana Local Government Area is stored in a variety of

forms, including written records, oral traditions, visual media, and digital

resources. These diverse sources of historical information provide valuable insights

into the area's past and serve as a foundation for understanding its cultural heritage,

traditions, and identity

DESCRIBE THE TYPE OF MUSIC, DANCE, FOOD, ATTAIRE,

FESTIVAL, MARRIAGE AND RELIGION IN KHANA LOCAL

GOVERNMENT

The Khana people are a prominent ethnic group in Rivers State, Nigeria. They

have a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in their music, dance, food, attire,

festivals, marriage, and religion. In this essay, we will explore these aspects of

Khana culture and how they contribute to the identity of the Khana people.

Music is an integral part of Khana culture, and it plays a significant role in their

social and religious activities. According to Alagoa, M. (1972), music is used to

convey messages, entertain, and communicate with ancestral spirits among the

Khana people. The traditional music of the Khana people is characterized by

rhythmic drumming, vocal chants, and the use of traditional musical instruments

such as sekere, gong, and flutes. These musical performances are often

accompanied by energetic dance movements that express the cultural values and

beliefs of the Khana people.

Dance is another important aspect of Khana culture, and it is often intertwined with

their music. According to Mbipom, E. C. (2009), traditional dances are performed

during social events, festivals, and religious ceremonies. These dances are

characterized by vibrant choreography, colorful costumes, and rhythmic

movements that reflect the cultural history and traditions of the Khana people. One

of the most popular traditional dances among the Khana people is the "Dout Bari"

dance, which is performed by young men and women to celebrate the harvest

season and to honor their ancestors.

Food is an essential part of Khana culture, and it reflects the agricultural heritage

of the Khana people. According to Chukwu, D. C. (2005), the staple foods of the

Khana people include yam, cassava, plantain, and rice, which are often prepared

into delicious dishes such as banga soup, pepper soup, and porridge. These dishes

are usually served during social gatherings, festivals, and special occasions as a

symbol of hospitality and unity among the Khana people.

Attire is a significant aspect of Khana culture, and it reflects the traditional values

and beliefs of the Khana people. According to Abba, R. (2010), the traditional

attire of the Khana people is characterized by colorful fabrics, intricate designs,

and symbolic motifs that represent their cultural identity. The men often wear

"isiagu" (a colorful embroidered shirt) paired with "okpu agu" (a traditional cap),

while the women wear "gele" (headscarf) and "iro buba" (wrapper and blouse)

made from colorful fabrics such as Ankara and lace.

Festivals are an important part of Khana culture, and they provide an opportunity

for the community to come together and celebrate their cultural heritage.

According to Edu, J. O. (2012), the most significant festival among the Khana

people is the "Ogoni Day," which is celebrated annually to commemorate their

history, traditions, and achievements. During this festival, traditional music and

dance performances are showcased, and traditional foods are shared among the

community members as a symbol of unity and solidarity.

Marriage is a significant milestone in Khana culture, and it is marked by elaborate

traditional ceremonies and rituals. According to Nwosu, L. A. (2008), the process

of marriage among the Khana people involves the payment of bride price,

traditional blessings from the elders, and the exchange of gifts and symbolic items

such as kola nuts, palm wine, and traditional jewelry. These ceremonies are often

accompanied by traditional music, dance, and feasting to celebrate the union of the

bride and groom.

Religion is a fundamental aspect of Khana culture, and it influences their social,

moral, and spiritual beliefs. According to Madu, A. I. (2015), the traditional

religion of the Khana people is centered on the worship of ancestral spirits, nature

deities, and sacred objects. These beliefs are often expressed through traditional

rituals, offerings, and prayers to seek guidance, protection, and blessings from the

spiritual realm. In recent years, Christianity has also become prominent among the

Khana people, and it has brought about a blending of traditional and modern

religious practices within the community.

The music, dance, food, attire, festivals, marriage, and religion of the Khana

people are essential elements that contribute to the rich cultural heritage and

identity of this ethnic group in Rivers State, Nigeria. These cultural practices
reflect their history, traditions, and values, and they continue to be celebrated and

preserved as a vital part of Khana culture. As the Khana people continue to

embrace modernization and globalization, it is essential to recognize the

significance of their cultural practices and to safeguard them for future generations

to appreciate and cherish. Overall, the rich cultural heritage of the Khana people

serves as a testament to their resilience, unity, and pride in their cultural identity.
References

Abba, R. (2010) John Locke’s Epistemology and Teaching. African Research

Review. Multidisciplinary Journal. Ethiopia, Vol. 7, No. 28.

Alagoa, M. (1972) Topics on West African Traditional Religion. Vol. 1, Accra:

McGraw-Hill Rep.

Chukwu, D. C. (2005), “The Paradox of Religiosity in Nigeria: A Threat to

National Unity” SOPHIA. Vol. 6, No. 1, Sept

Edu, J. O. (2012) Ogoni Pottery

Madu, A. I. (2015) Are there Syllables in Khana? In: Current Issues in African
Linguistics.

Mbipom, E. C. (2009) Nigerian Since Independence: The First 25 Years. Vol. 9,

Lagos: Heinemann Educational Books

Nwosu, L. A. (2008) Trade and Politics in the Niger Delta. London: Oxford 2000.

Cited works

Ken Saro-Wiwa: A prominent writer and activist from Khana, Saro-Wiwa's works,
such as "Sozaboy" and "On a Darkling Plain," offer insights into the social
and political dynamics of the area and the impact of colonialism.

Graham Furniss: An anthropologist and author who has written extensively on the
history and culture of the Ogoni people, including the Khana communities.
His work provides valuable insights into the oral traditions and cultural
practices of the Khana people.

Oral Traditions: The oral traditions and stories passed down through generations
within the Khana community serve as a vital source of historical information
that has been preserved over centuries.

British Colonial Archives: The colonial archives contain a wealth of documents

related to the administration of Khana and provide valuable insights into the
impact of colonialism on the area.
Local Historians and Scholars: Various local historians and scholars have
contributed to the documentation of the history of Khana through academic
studies, publications, and research projects.

Digital Resources: Online databases, digital archives, and other digital resources
provide a modern platform for accessing and storing historical information
about Khana.