KPANTI-GIRIRI (CHIEF RAINMAKER) IN MUMUYE SOCIETY: BETWEEN MYTH AND KNOWLEDGE IN TRADITIONAL ATMOSPHERIC MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES

Abstract

The research work on Kpanti-Giriri (Chief Rainmaker) in Mumuye Society Between Myth and Knowledge in Traditional Atmospheric Management Techniques” The research proofs that rainmaking is a knowledge and not a myth as many would think so. Rainmaking is an indigenous knowledge that has been in practice since the time immemorial, and handed down to succeeding generations for the management of atmospheric conditions of the environment till date. The research adopted descriptive, prescriptive and analytic methods. Data were collected from the Chief rainmaker and some knowledgeable members of the rainmaking council and consultation of relevant books. The research discovered that rainmaking is a knowledge and not a myth, as been speculated in some quarters, and one most be part of the rain making cult, and must have the general endorsement of the rain making council members before he becomes a chief rainmaker. Also, succession to the position of rainmaking can also be inheritable, and one most proved his knowledge of the herb before he is being nominated to act as chief rainmaker by the council. Knowledge of the herbs (jeemang/tongkorong) and rainmaking act is concealed in secret and not exposed to non members to know, learn, verify or participate in by injecting new ideas into it. The paper suggests that, rain making knowledge and rites should be laid open for those who want to learn and practice it, and it should be open to academic research and not to be closed. Indigenous knowledge of rainmaking should also be extended to cover other areas bedeviled by atmospheric weather challenges like draught and flood. Rainmakers should become friends of every body, and not to deal with people simply because they possessed mystical powers. They should open school for the mastery of rain making in order for people from every nook and cranny to benefit.