Bornu

Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)

2026 Editor's Note: This page uses language about race that was commonplace when the book was published and is offensive by today's standards. The text has been left exactly as it was printed, rather than cut or softened, so that the historical record — including how ordinary such language once was — is preserved. (Ed: ET 2026-07-22) or BORNORO, formerly a negro kingdom of central Africa, now included in northern Nigeria, somewhat larger in extent than England, bounded on the E. by Lake Tchad, and N. by the Sahara. The greater part of the country is perfectly level, and much of it is liable to be overflowed in the rainy season, which lasts from October to April. The heat from March to June is excessive, ranging from 104° to 107° F. The two principal rivers are the Shari and the Komaduga Vaobe, both of which fall into Lake Tchad. The soil is fertile, yields plentiful crops of maize, millet, and other tropical produce. Wild beasts are very numerous. Coats of mail are made both for horses and their riders. The population, which is estimated at about 5,000,000, is mostly of negro race and called Bornuese or Kanuri. The ruling race, called Shuwas, are of Arab descent and bigoted Mohammedans; but many traces of fetichism remain among the masses. Whatever they have of civilization is derived from the Arabs. The shores and islands of Lake Tchad are inhabited by negro pirates called yedina or budduma. The slave trade was formerly eagerly prosecuted in Bornu. In the beginning of the 19th century, Bornu was conquered by the Fellatahs, whose yoke, however, was The ruins of Birni, soon shaken off. the old capital, on the Yaobe, may still be seen. Kuka, or Kukawa, the capital, is on the W. shore of Lake Tchad. Gornu, to the S. E., has one of the most important markets of central Africa.