{{infobox ethnic group |group=Afizere |image=Jos Carnival 62.jpg |caption = Afizere Asharwa International dancers at Jos Carnival 2018 | population = Over 500,000 (2012)<ref>{{cite book |last1=Appiah |first1=Kwame Anthony |last2=Gates |first2=Henry Louis Jr. |date=2005 |title=Africana: The Encyclopedia of the African and African American Experience |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TMZMAgAAQBAJ&q=Afusari+people&pg=PA136 |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |page=236 |isbn=0195170555 |edition=2nd |volume=V }}</ref> |popplace= Nigeria |languages= Izere, Nigerian English | religions = African religions, Christianity, Islam |related= Anaguta, Atyap, Bajju, Berom, Jukun, and other Platoid peoples of the Middle Belt of Nigeria, Yoruba, Igbo }}
thumb|Afizere people of Plteu, Nigeria The '''Afizere''' people (Other: ''Afizarek'', exonym: ''Jarawa'') are an ethnic group in Nigeria that occupy Jos East, Jos North, parts of Jos South and Mangu Local Government Areas of Plateau State and parts of Toro and Tafawa Balewa Local Government Areas of Bauchi State, Nigeria. The Afizere are speakers of Izere language.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://afizereworld.org/afizere/language_clans.asp |title=Dialects and Clans - Afizere People |website= afizereworld.org| publisher= | access-date=2016-05-18 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160625061748/http://afizereworld.org/afizere/language_clans.asp |archive-date=2016-06-25 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The neighbors of the Afizere to the north are the Hausa and Jarawan Dass. To the east and southeast are the Zari, Zaar and Pyem. To the south and southwest are the Berom while the Irigwe and Bache (or Rukuba) lie to the west. Northwest of the Afizere are many ethnic groups, the closest of which are the Anaguta, Bujel, Ribina, Kayauri and Duguza; more distant ones include Buji, Gusu, Sanga, Jere, Amoa, and Lemoro.<ref>{{Cite book |last= Ajiji |first=D. N. |title=Colonialism and Intergroup Relations in the Central Nigeria Highlands: The Afizere Story |publisher=Aboki Publishers |year=2011 |location= Ibadan, Makurdi, Nigeria |pages=66}}</ref>
==Settlement== The Afizere previously settled in the Chawai region of southern Kaduna State. Over time, some Afizere groups moved southwards.<ref name="Origin">{{Cite web |url= http://afizereworld.org/afizere/origin.asp |title=Origin - Afizere People |website= afizereworld.org| publisher= |access-date=2016-05-18 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160625062716/http://afizereworld.org/afizere/origin.asp |archive-date= 2016-06-25 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The first group from Southern Kaduna settled at the foot of the hills called Gwash close to the current location of the Jos Museum{{Citation needed|date=July 2023}} and others settled at the foot of Shere Hills in the Jos Plateau.<ref name="Origin"/> Afizere clans settled southwards of Chawai lands. More than 500,000 Afizere people,<ref name="RB">{{cite web| url= https://www.rogerblench.info/Language/Niger-Congo/BC/Plateau/Izeric/Language/Izere%20Dictionary%20composite%202019.pdf|title=A Dictionary of the Izere Language of Fubor |last1=Blench |first1=Roger |last2=Kaze |first2=Bitrus |date=2006 |website= rogerblench.info }}</ref> distributed over 16 major traditional districts, inhabit territories within Jos North, Jos East, Mangu, in Plateau State and Tafawa-Balewa and Toro Local Government Areas in Bauchi State. During the pre-colonial period, the people lived in hilly terrains surrounding the Jos Plateau as a defense mechanism against jihadist attacks during and after the Fulani Jihad. Afizere towns and villages include Dong, Tudun Wada (Gyese), Kabong, Jos Jarawa, Rikkos, Fudawa, Kwanga, Fobur, Angware, Maijuju, Fusa, and Gwafan (Lamingo), Shere, Zandi, etc.
==Culture== Izere towns have a traditional and gerontocratic<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://afizereworld.org/afizere/socio_polity.asp |title=Socio-Polity - Afizere People |access-date= 2016-05-18 |website= afizereworld.org| publisher= |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160625051001/http://afizereworld.org/afizere/socio_polity.asp |archive-date=2016-06-25 |url-status=dead }}</ref> chieftaincy system that is headed by an Agwom<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/sunday/index.php/newsroyale/15084-glimpses-of-plateau-s-izere-chiefdom |title= Glimpses of Plateau's Izere chiefdom |newspaper= Daily Trust|access-date= 2016-05-18 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160916162507/http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/sunday/index.php/newsroyale/15084-glimpses-of-plateau-s-izere-chiefdom |archive-date=2016-09-16 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and supported by five districts heads representing the five royal families of the Afizere: Fobur, Forsum, Maigemu, Shere, and Federe. In Afizere land, a district could be a combination of 6 to 12 villages. Historically, the Agwom was also the chief priest of the people.
Asharuwa, a traditional dance, is part of the cultural heritage the Afizere have maintained over the years. Asharuwa dance groups have performed in many countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Germany, South Africa, Ukraine, and Kenya.
==Language== {{Main|Izere language}} The language of the people, Izere, is considered part of the Benue-Congo language group that is prominent in Central Nigeria. Izere is spoken in five different dialects. The dialects are: * Ibor, spoken largely in the Fobur district * Isum, spoken in Forsum villages * Iganang, spoken in Shere * Ifudere, spoken in Federe * Ikyo<ref name="RB"/>
==Dresses== Kings wear ''kukpra'' and have their hair barbed, with the hair like a row in the middle of their heads and step by step horizontal cuts all throughout, signifying the crown. They have a ceremonial staff called an ''akbong'' with one strand. Priests wear the same clothes as the king, but what differentiates them is the king's haircut and his staff, as the priest's akbong has two strands.
Men wear ''itak'' round their waists. Women wear ''akpi'' made from atufa or agindo, covering their chest and going around their waists.
''Kurus'' are used to keep babies tight on the back of their mothers and it is water resistant.
For brides and grooms, the same clothing they would normally wear is used, but it is freshly made.
; Izere colors and their order # Green [naya] signifies agriculture # White [cha’an] signifies peace # Yellow [izizere] signifies the language # Black [aga’ab] signifies strength # Cowries [icribi] signifies wealth
==Religion== Christianity and Islam are the two major religions among the Afizere, but some Afizere still choose to adhere to their traditional beliefs. In traditional Afizere religion, there is a supreme deity Adakunom (father of the sun" or ""father, the sun" or "mighty sun")<ref name="RB"/> who is considered the creator and source of life and health. A few minor gods exist to act as mediators to Adakunom. Then there are the spirits or witches who are the source of both good and evil.
Christianity came to Afizere land by the way of Sudan Interior Mission preachers<ref name="RB"/> who converted some Afizere individuals who later acted as agents of dispersion of the religion. Islam came to the region after the Fulani jihad when part of Afizere territory came under the authority of the Emir of Bauchi.
== Names == The Izere people like many other tribes or ethnic groups have unique names given to children at birth. A child could be named in accordance to a situation or circumstance leading to his/her birth. <!-- PROVIDING AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST IS NOT WHAT WP IS FOR. Some traditional Izere names and meaning are: * Abok = Physician * Adar = Star * Afan = Rest * Agwom = Ruler of people * Ajang/Azhang = Defender * Itse = A strong man * Atsen = A visitor * Arum = A prosperous man * Atu = A blacksmith * Atsi = A priest * Abi= Long awaited female child * Igbarak= A tower * Azong = I ask * Ayisa = Born during Isaah festival * Ayong = What have been expected * Akare = clean * Akuben = Good seed * Akutse = Blessing of God * Ikok = A protector or unite together * Ayom = Born during mourning period * Isha = A player or dancer * Adang = Patience * Azhik = Handsome * Kaze = The only one * Arin = Not to miss again * Igyem = A person with wisdom * Azok = A unique/rich man * Agok/Itsegok = Double fruitful * Inyam = Good for fortune/good luck * Akassa = Sharing equally * Atang = The best shooter * Izang = Victorious * Afe = To say something/the speaker * Azhi or Aizhi = first born or my heart desire * Azi = Un-ended/uncountable * Ido = Miracle or surprise * Adubok = An expert on future issue * Ashom = Prophesy * Anap = Born after male child or festival renap * Atong = Born after many male children * Anya = Born with identification mark * Abus = come back again * Akutsang = Good company out with strength * Atako = To have strong faith as rock * Adizha = Good seed choose * Asang = I was barren or I have no body * Ado/Adado = Gradually reducing naturally * Amaji = First born of the family
With the coming of Christianity, some persons within the Izere circle suggested names that with biblical inclination. Some of this names and their meaning include:
* KUMRITEK - Always good * KUNOMNISHIM - (shortened: Nishim) God loves me * ATOMKUNOM - Messenger of God<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.bible.com/bible/2070/MRK.1.2.IZRNT |title=aMarkus 1:2 Kyo̱ndi a tá zibir kaye̱e̱r kufumung Ishaya, aner kuzarap ye: ‘Mi tà tom atom mi nasho̱o̱n wan, aya a tana ka nye iren,’ |work= Izere New Testament (IZRNT)| via= Bible.com| publisher= }}</ref> * KUNOMSINAZA - God is in heaven * KUNOMBEMI - God with me * KUNOMSIBEMI - God is with me * KUKYEM - Ability,<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.bible.com/bible/2070/ACT.8.19.IZRNT |title=Itomong Ámanzo 8:19 a tá fe̱ be ba ye, 'Ni nang yin kukyem kuri kuyu gip nong ase̱ ke mi tin sak kubo̱k natoon aner akak ne a se̱ Kabik Kazhe̱l'e.' |work= Izere New Testament (IZRNT)| via=Bible.com| publisher= }}</ref> authority<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.bible.com/bible/2070/MAT.10.1.IZRNT |title=aMatiyu 10:1 Ayong aYeso yis alimazhiri wu kuso̱k be afa ne a ku no̱o̱k ba kukyem ku niturung amaan nabik ne kukyem kusak afe iro̱k ze̱r ze̱r ta te atser. |work= Izere New Testament (IZRNT)| via= Bible.com| publisher= }}</ref> or power<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bible.com/bible/2070/HEB.6.5.IZRNT |title=Ibrani 6:5 ne áya a tá kun fok ritek rife̱ Adakunom ne kukyem kufe kasho̱o̱n |work= Izere New Testament (IZRNT)| via= Bible.com| publisher= }}</ref> * KUKYEMKUNOM - Power of God; the authority of God * KUNOMREN - God knows * KUNOMSAASI - The Lord is coming back * KURENKUNOM - The knowledge of God * ATSETSẸK - comforter * ATSIKUNOM - Priest of God * AWANKUNOM - Only God; one God * AZHAUKUNOM - Invisible God * ATURUKKUNOM - the lamb of God * KANYẸK - Mystery<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.bible.com/bible/2070/EPH.3.3.IZRNT |title=Afisa 3:3 Iyong ne i nye ike̱ng Adakunom tin te̱s'e kaye̱e̱r kanye̱k wu kaya sang akak ta ren baꞌ, kyo̱ndi mi tá tsang i ka zibir yin'e cie̱k|work= Izere New Testament (IZRNT)| via= Bible.com| publisher= }}</ref> * CAANG - (pronounced as Chaang) peace; peaceful * KUCẸKUNOM - God's blessing * IGONZHING (IGON-AZHING) - Child of wonder; wonderful child * ISHORONG - Reward<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.bible.com/bible/2070/REV.22.12.IZRNT |title=Ike̱ng a ta tonong aYohana 22:12 "Di yin, Mi saase kyo̱o̱rna! Ishorong yin se nunaan, mi tà karang koangan tite̱re̱ be ike̱ng ife wu tá nye|work= Izere New Testament (IZRNT)| via= Bible.com| publisher= }}</ref> * ISONGKUNOM - God's breath<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bible.com/bible/2070/2TI.3.16.IZRNT |title=2 aTimoti 3:16 Koakye ike̱ng iya a tá zibir kaye̱e̱r kufumung rife̱ Adakunom nye isong Adakunom. Izibir'e se gye̱r kamok kubo̱so̱p, ne kuzhe̱e̱r anerawe ne kunees kuse anerawe be kubo̱so̱p anerawe iren kuse gye̱r na |work= Izere New Testament (IZRNT)| via= Bible.com| publisher= }}</ref> * KUYAKASHỌỌN/IYAKASHỌỌN - progress; success-->
==Dances== Many forms of dance are part of this people's culture.
* Asharwa — predominantly performed by young Afizere boys and men; all occasions * Amata — predominantly performed by Afizere women both young and old; all occasions * Agba — predominantly performed by men both young and old during royal outing, coronations or royal ceremonies * Agafu — predominantly performed by Afizere men; all occasions * Asurbe — performed by all categories of Afizere during funeral rite of an elderly person only * Natoo abarshi/ikap/isun — performed mostly during farming/harvest primarily by Afizere men * Apanga — performed by only royalty; during ceremonies/coronation * Natoo rekuron — predominantly performed by young and elderly women; only during farming activities
Additionally, beating of drums and singing on the farm is customary, with the asum - mata leading.
== Food == The Afizere people have different foods and mode of preparation that distinguishes them from other ethnic groups. A few are: * Ikam Itson (hungry rice), made from muster and water * Akare (Gwate, Pate), made from grinded maize, vegetables, garden eggs, sorel (yakuwa) and water * Iririr, made from grinded abusu, meat, little water, salt, pepper and nami rifar (olive oil) * Nakan, made from hungry rice (muster seed) honey and water * Akpam, made from hungry rice (muster), red oil and water * Asirik itcha, made from millet and tamber * Asirik Itson, made from ground muster (hungry rice) and water * Asirik Ariron, made from ariron and guinea corn * Rining Kapkok (soup), made from Izōs, rituh, natok, kapkok, salt and water * Ishutuk (round about beans), made from Ishutuk, abusu, salt, and pepper namai rifar
==References== {{reflist}}
==Further reading== *{{cite book| last1= Appiah| first1= Kwame Anthony |first2= Henry Louis Jr.| last2= Gates| title= Africana| edition= 1st| place= New York| publisher= Basic Civitas Books |isbn= 0-465-00071-1}}
==External links== {{Commons category}} *[https://www.bible.com/bible/2070/MAT.1.IZRNT An Afizere portion] at Bible.com
{{Ethnic groups in Nigeria}}
Category:Ethnic groups in Nigeria Category:Nenzit