The story of Nigeria’s fascinating Hyena Men and their ‘magical’ craft

They are a group of men from the Gadawan Kura clan in Nigeria who have gained fame around the world since their story was told by popular South African photographer Pieter Hugo through his photographs.

In the heart of Nigeria, they practice their art; an art that requires not only skill and talent but some form of ‘black magic’.

The origins of the Hyena Men can be traced back to the Hausa people of Nigeria where this tradition has been a part of the cultural fabric for centuries.

The Gadawan Kura, which translates to "hyena handlers" in the local language, initially started as a form of entertainment for the ruling elite. Over time, it evolved into a unique cultural phenomenon that combines elements of mysticism, storytelling, and audacious feats.

Other animals like poisonous snakes are owned and used by the Hyena men for their exploits.

Their methods are fascinating. First, they drum to draw crowds and then they take off the muzzles which they use in covering the faces of the hyenas, and then the art begins.

Performing various brave yet entertaining stunts, they put their faces and heads in the mouths of the hyenas, and sometimes ride them like horses, exhibiting their charms while trying to convince people to purchase potions they sell with the belief that, they could also become powerful.

These hyenas are retrieved as pups from dens in the wild and taken away from their cackle (mother, group or family), according to Pieter Hugo.

The Hyena Men sometimes put poisonous snakes in their mouths and play dress up with the baboons.

It is believed that the tradition is a generational one that is handed over. Young ones and children are initiated at a young age by giving them concoctions and exposing them to the animals.

In portions of his book “The Hyena & Other Men (2007)” quoted by The African Insider, Pieter Hugo said a friend’s email gave him a hint about the men whose photos he took.

“It was doing the rounds on the net – some guys on the street in Nigeria that looked like debt collectors. As soon as I saw it I knew I was going to go and photograph them,” he writes in his book. “The first time I met them they were staying in this shantytown. I was apprehensive and didn’t know what to expect. It was stranger for them seeing me than it was for me seeing a group of men with hyenas and rock pythons and baboons.

“We smoked some weed to break the ice. It turned out they weren’t debt collectors – they were more like town criers, traditional storytellers who performed in the streets and sold potions after their shows. It reminded me of stories I’d read about eastern European circus troupes in the 1930s – except instead of bears, these guys had hyenas, baboons and pythons,” he was quoted by The African Insider.

These men have gained international status over time but their activities are still criticized by animal rights activists who raise concerns about the use of animals for the activities they engage in.

Meanwhile, their craft has become a tourist and cultural attraction for people all over the world.