A SURVEY OF STYLES AND FUNCTIONS KANO

ABSTRACT

The research is an attempt made, to survey the styles and functions of Kano ancient city wall and gates. The research is carried out to document the remains of the wall and gates, thus the problem of the study, putting into consideration the aims and objectives of the study. The aim of the study is to survey the styles and functions of the ancient city wall and gates of Kano city, while the objectives are; to articulate the extent of the wall and identify the gates; examine the forms and styles of the ancient wall and gates; to enumerate and discuss the functions of the wall and gates in the ancient and traditional periods. The significant of the study is to aid the immediate society, local and state government to realize the worth of the ancient wall and gates for tourism, thus boosting their patronage towards the preservation of the wall and gates. From the findings, it was discovered that, customarily there were fifteen ancient gates, two of them being referred to as new gates (Kofar Famfo and Sabuwar Kofar). During the fieldwork, eight ancient gates were identified. They are Kofar Kansakali, Kofar Kabuga, Kofar Gadon Kaya, Kofar Duka Waya, Kofar Ruwa, Kofar Waika, while the remaining two gates were identified through pictorial representation retrieved from the museum. They are Kofar Na‟isa and Kofar Nasarawa. In the examination of the forms and styles, several features of the ancient wall and gates were revealed. The mud brick (Tubali) used in building the wall is reflected in the surface texture of the wall. In places where erosion has not eaten up the created surface texture, Makuba designs are observed on the wall not only adding beauty it, but also the ancient wall and gates now have other functions such as: Monumental function, Tourism, Symbolization, Commercial/Industrial functions, Identification and Documentation, apart from the primary functions in the ancient period. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations are made on how the government can preserve the ancient wall and gates.