ABSTRACT

This is the Hausa who is still pagan, living mainly in communities in Kano and Katsina provinces. In Edgar’s day, and before, such must have been much more plentiful. The origin of the word is probably the Arabic majūs (fire-worshipper, Zoroastrian). The normal word for a pagan is arne (plural arna). Trimingham† suggests that the use of the word Bamaguje was to find a formula by which irreconcilable Hausa pagans could be included in the administration, and pay tax – rather than be treated as enemies to be warred upon. In TATS there is often some confusion in the use of the two terms. It is, however, noteworthy that the Maguje occurs frequently and in the role of a shrewd though simple countryman, whose proceedings often show up the quackery and hypocrisy of the malam. He is especially good at word play (karin magana).