Fetish or not, these traditional African religions stood the test of time

Hausa animism/Bori

Hausa animism or Bori is a religion specific to the Hausa region in Nigeria.

Hausa animism is centered on the forces which can take possession of humans, such as demons or spirits.

Bòòríí means the practice of Hausa animism, the practice of medicine, spiritual entities that may be present in physical items, and locally made alcohol.

Adoricism, the opposite of an exorcism consists of dancing, invocations and music which heals and controls the spirits.

Before colonialism, Hausa animism was practised widely throughout Hausa states.

With the infiltration of Islam circa the 14^th century, there was an attempt to subdue animism so that it wouldn’t be adhered to.  It still was albeit through dancing and the integration of the religion into Islam.

Priestesses and Inna – “the mother of us all” are some of the prominent figures present in the religion.

The emergence of the Caliphate brought about a stoppage in animism; the high stature of priestesses was taken or transferred to Muslim women in scholarly, educational or community roles.

Some known entities are farfaru and babbaku.

Surviving in Dogondutchi – present-day Niger and Konni – Maradi Region Niger and Sokoto State Nigeria, animism is now acknowledged by particular ethnic groups only. Some groups who practice possession of spirits are evident in unique types of religions.