The Miship, are found in about 33 villages in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State. The language they speak is also called Miship. Miship has two varietiesː Longmaar and Jibam. Longmaar is said to be the central of the two. The Kong Ship, meaning River Ship, was named after the Miship. They have a paramount chief called Ndaalong Miship. He lives in Kwala, the most prestigious town for all the Miship. The speakers of Miship estimated their current population at 30,000.
The people trace their origin in Sudan, where their ancestors are said to have migrated along with the Ngas, Mupun (a dialect of Mwaghavul), Tal, Tarok, Goemai, Sura, and Pyem. It is believed that they migrated through Chad into North East Nigeria, then settled at several places before coming to their present locations in Pankshin Local Government Area. The Miship share geographical boundary with the Ngas, Mupun a dialect of Mwaghavul, Jipal a dialect of Kofyar, and Tal.
Vaiko, is an annual heritage celebration observed by the Miship. It features cultural dance displays and a wrestling competition in which young males display their fighting skills. During the celebrations, women are adorned in local fabric with leaves worn over as accessories. Men tie animal skins around their waist over local fabrics. A local delicacy called Ngup is served with Kunu (locally brewed non-alcoholic drink from sorghum or millet).
The Miship are predominantly farmers. They grow, guinea corn (sorghum), millet, beans, groundnut, rice and maize. Rice is their main crop.
Scripture Prayers for the Chip in Nigeria.
| Profile Source: Anonymous |
