Abstract: It is a living fact that culture, religion and modernism are in constant struggles. Witchcraft, though a global phenomenon, seems to be perceived and treated in a unique way within the Hausafolk. Consequently, that gives it a new shape and portrays it as having unique characteristics symbolizing the socio-cultural stand of the Hausa in that regard. This paper is geared towards investigating the phenomenon of witchcraft otherwise known as maita in the Hausafolk. It also pays attention to the recent religious influence, which has brought a significant transformation in the perception of the subject in question. The methodology employed for the research is ethnography, in which it is based on the description and analyses of witchcraft in the light of Hausa culture and religion. The paper learned that the primitive Hausa’s position on witchcraft and their responses to it were barbaric. However, religious teachings have helped considerably in enlightening the Hausa on the subject, though with a lot of tensenesses, especially within the rural areas. Finally, the paper suggests among others that, there shall be a greater effort towards educating and enlightening the Hausa against their wrong perception of the notion. This could be done through public lectures, publications, rural visits and through the media to mention but a few.
Author: Gobir, Y.A. & Sani, A-U.
