©

Madeline Danquah and Tendai Sichone, 2024

In the collection of the Museum am Rothenbaum. Kulturen und Künste der Welt (MARKK) in Hamburg, there is a remarkable painting depicting two young individuals, Abbega and Dorugu. Enslaved at a young age in West Africa, they eventually came into the service and dependence of the geographer Heinrich Barth. From then on, they accompanied him on his research expeditions, traveling with him across Africa and Europe to Germany, including Berlin, Gotha, and Hamburg.

Not only has the painting of Abbega and Dorugu survived, but in 1885, the German missionary James Frederick Schön also published an episodic life story of Dorugu's life in a Hausa grammar under the title 'The Life and Travels of Dorugu.' Dorugu had dictated the story of his life and travels to Schön in installments, and Abbega is also mentioned or quoted briefly. It is therefore a rare first-hand account from a Hausa individual in the 19th century.

Dorugu directed his attentive gaze not only to pre-colonial North Africa, Central Africa and West Africa, but also to Northern, Central and Westeurope.

This tour is about the life and observations of Abbega and Dorugu. It is important to mention that the names Dorugu and Abbega are only more or less based on the original pronunciation.

Stationen

Dorugu's childhood and early years

Journey to Kano

Research trip: Description of African cities

Comparisons and Social Observations

Visit to Barth's family

A friendly encounter

Audience with the Prussian King

Life with the Schön family

Final years of life in Kano

Buried memory

Start