A REFLECTION OF MUSLIM DRESS: A CASE STUDY OF GBAGYI OF THE MIDDLE RIVER, KADUNA VALLEY

Abstract

This article examines the reflection of Muslim dress among the Gbagyi of the Middle River, Kaduna Valley. It discusses dressing as a marker of personal style, cultural identity, social status, and religious affiliation. The study explains that the Gbagyi traditionally had a distinctive dress called ejhe, which functioned as a cultural artifact and symbol of identity, values, social norms, and religious beliefs. With the arrival and acceptance of Islam, Muslim attire became predominant among the Gbagyi, contributing to the decline of ejhe and reshaping dress practices in the study area.