Tambes in Nigeria

People Name:	Tambes
Country:	Nigeria
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	2,200
World Population:	2,200
Primary Language:	Rom
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	25.00 %
Evangelicals:	7.00 %
Scripture:	Translation Needed
Ministry Resources:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Chadic
Affinity Bloc:	Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Marom are popularly called Tambes. Tambes is the broad name for their dispersed settlements in Pankshin Local Government area of Plateau State. They are estimated to be about 7,000 people. They trace their origin back in Chad, where their ancestors migrated through Maiduguri in North Eastern Nigeria to Bununu in Bauchi State, and to their present location. It is believed that this movement was influenced by conflict and the search for more arable land.

The Marom are mainly farmers. They grow, maize, fonio (acha), millet, sorghum (guinea corn), rice, sweet potatoes and Irish potatoes. Maize is their main crop.

They are bordered by Ngas, Mupun a dialect of Mwaghavul and Fyer speaking groups, with whom they relate cordially, evidenced by intermarriages with all three groups.

They observe a cultural festival called Fatdi Rom. It is a celebration that showcases the cultural diversity and uniqueness of Marom people. It features the display of their unique artifacts, the cultural dances, and songs in the Tambes or Rom language. The high point of the celebration is the crowning of the winner of a local pageant as Miss Rom.

They have a local delicacy called Waap. It is made of fonio (acha), olive oil, locust beans (dawadawa) and meat.