The Gidan Rumfa (Emir’s Palace) in Kano, Nigeria, is the historic residence of the Emir of Kano. Kano is one of the great historic cities of Nigeria (and its second largest today) and grew wealth as a major commercial centre for the trans-Saharan trade network.
The palace, originally built in the late 15th century by Emir Muhammadu Rumta, has served as a continuous seat of power since its construction. The Kofar Kudu gate-one of the main entrances and depicted in this painting-leads into an expansive, roughly 33-acre complex that functions as a selt-contained micro-settlement. It includes the Emir’s residence, accommodation for attendants, mosques, schools, and gardens, and is home to over 1000 residents.
The current appearance of the gate dates from the late 19th century and is based on the vernacular architecture of the Hausa people, who reside in Northern Nigeria and neighbouring Niger.