Gallery
Description
Property Name: Daura Palace
Inventory No: 234-65-1
Date of infill of the inventory form: 2008-02-21
Country (State party): Nigeria
Province: Daura
Town:
Geographic coordinates: 11° 31′ 11.43″ N
11° 27′ 31.64″ E
Historic Period:
Year of Construction: 18th century
Style: Hausa-Fulani
Original Use: Palace
Current Use:
Architect: Unknown
Significance
Considered to be built in the capital of one of the earliest Hausa states, the entrance hall of the complex is quite old. Most of the complex is dated to 18th century, pre-Fulani period. Formal entrance buildings were probably constructed during the 15th and 16th centuries are typical Hausa-Fulani palaces with their domed audience chambers. Although living in decorated palaces was condemned by the Fulani at the beginning of the 19th century, these buildings were retained and occupied after the Fulani conquest of the Hausa states.
Selection Criteria
vi. to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance
State of Preservation
It was originally established as a administration town, founded by a queen and ruleld by between 9th and 10th centuries.
Little else is known of Daura state until the Fulani jihad (holy war) in 1805, when an emirate headquarters was established in Daura. Afterwards, the town was in the center of political affairs.
The town is served by a government health office and a dispensary. It is also the headquarters of a local government council. Pop. (2006) local government area, 219,721.
References
Michell, George. ed. 1978. Architecture of the Islamic World; Its History and Social Meaning. London: Thanes & Hudson.