Our Cultural Heritage
Celebrating the traditions, values, and customs that define the Tiv nation
The Heart of Tiv Culture
The Tiv people, one of Nigeria's largest ethnic groups with over 6 million people (3.5% of the nation's population), possess a vibrant cultural heritage rooted in communal values, artistic expression, and deep connection to the land. Our traditions emphasize unity, hospitality, and celebration – values that come alive at the Kyegh Sha Shwa Festival.
Kyegh Sha Shwa Soup
The Name Kyegh Sha Shwa is literally 'Chicken in Sesame' soup; a beloved Tiv delicacy.
The preparation of Kyegh Sha Shwa is a communal affair: sesame seeds are ground into paste, combined with local spices, and slow-cooked with chicken to create a thick, aromatic soup that symbolizes the warmth of Tiv hospitality.
Other Traditional Tiv Delicacies
Iber sha Akpukpa
Traditional breakfast of beer and roasted plantains
Ruam Kusu
Corn porridge with groundnut paste
Burukutu
Local sorghum beer served from communal pots
Akpukpa
Roasted or boiled plantains
Akwukwo Soup
Vegetable soup with traditional greens
Pounded Yam
Staple accompaniment to soups, eaten communally