 Gbabhyi Ham, SK Fest 2024 | |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 300,000 (2014 NBTT)[1] | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Nigeria | |
| Languages | |
| Hyam | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity,Ku | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Gwong,Anghan,Adara, Koro (Tinor),Atyap,Berom,Jukun,Efik,Tiv,Igbo,Yoruba,Edo and otherBenue-Congo peoples ofMiddle Belt andsouthern Nigeria |
TheHam people (exonyms:Jju:Ba̱daa,Tyap:A̱daa) are an ethnic group found in thesouthern part ofKaduna State in the northwestern region ofNigeria,[2] predominantly inJaba,Kachia andKagarkoLocal Government Areas ofsouthernKaduna State,Nigeria. They speak theHyam language and refer to themselves as Ham. They are known as the 'Jaba' in Hausa, but a recent study by a linguist who is a native of the area (John 2017) has definitely proven that the label 'Jaba' was derogatory and should be rejected.[3][4] Some estimates place the Ham as numbering 400,000.[5]
There is a common misconception that the Ham people created theNok culture after archaeological discoveries in the Ham village ofNok.[6] The Nok culture flourished between c. 1500 BC — c. 1 BC while the Ham people only migrated to the area fromKano in the 17-18th century. The culture was so named because the terracotas that characterised the Nok Culture were first discovered in the Ham village called Nok. Later other archeological sites elsewhere were discovered as well.
The Tuk-Ham festival is celebrated each year atKwain (Popularly known as Kwoi by the Hausa), a town in theLocal Government Area ofJaba. It is celebrated around the Easter season.[7][8]
The majority of the Ham people areChristian, estimated at about 85%. About 75% of the population is defined by some sources as "Evangelical Christians", with 10% fitting other definitions of Christians.[9]
The Ham speakHyam language.
Ham rulers are calledKpop Ham. Since 1974, the Kpop Ham is His Royal Highness (HRH) the Kpop-HamDr. Jonathan Danladi Gyet Maude (J.P.), OON.[10]
Notable people of Ham origin include:
Kato, Byang Henry (A) 1936-1975 Africa[1]
