Niger-Congo · Benue-Congo
Berom
Also known as Birom, Afango
The largest indigenous group in Plateau State, and the people whose green and maroon cloth has become the visual shorthand for the Plateau itself.
History
The Berom are the largest of the indigenous groups of Plateau State and occupy the high plateau around Jos, spreading south and west through Jos South, Barkin Ladi and Riyom.
Nzem Berom was instituted in 1981 by the Berom Educational and Cultural Organization, gathering older observances tied to the farming and hunting year — Mandyeng, Nshok, Badu and others — into a single festival held centrally in Jos.
The paramount ruler is the Gbong Gwom Jos, who is escorted in procession to the stadium during the festival.
Dress
Berom ceremonial dress runs to green and maroon, and the two colours are read together rather than chosen for contrast. Warriors, the Be-Sugas, wear regalia of animal hide.
- GreenThe cactus, and its place in Berom life
- MaroonTee, a local powder
Food
- Tere
- A traditional Berom preparation.
- Nama Dyara
- A traditional Berom meat dish.
- Gbwirik Chun
- A traditional Berom preparation.
Dance
- Ceremonial dance
- Danced at rites of passage and community celebration, carried by the xylophone alongside a small and a big drum.
Pictures
Sources
- Berom people — Wikipediaread 2026-08-27
- Traditional Berom attire and other groups in Plateauread 2026-08-27