Fulani People
The Fulani people of West Africa are the largest nomadic group in
the world.
moving their households from one place to the next
As a people group they actually contain a large number of people from diverse groups who were conquered and became a part of the Fulani through the spread of Islam. The original Fulani however are of the North African or middle eastern origin and have lighter skin, thinner lips, and straighter hair. They are known as "white people" to many Africans. The first group of people in West Africa to convert to Islam through jihads, or holy wars, they were able to take over much of West Africa and establish themselves not only as a religious force but also as a political and economical force. The Fulani are a very proud people, they are the missionaries of Islam and ended up conquering much of West Africa.
lead wagon
The Fulani are primarily nomadic herders and traders. Through their nomadic
lifestyle, they established numerous trade routes in West Africa. Many times the
Fulani go to local marketers and interact with the people there getting news and
spreading it through much of West Africa.
following wagon
The most important object in Fulani society is cattle, and there are many names, traditions, and taboos concerning cattle. The number of cows a person owns is a sign of his wealth. This has caused significant conflict in recent months between the Fulani and other ethnic groups. The reason for this is that the cows will many times go into the fields and eat the grain of local farmers. With increasing numbers of other transportation being used the Fulani are at risk of losing their identity as nomads and are being forced to settle in farms and villages. This sometimes creates other problems, because the Fulani are very proud people of their unique culture and used to ruling over the other people.
Another difference between the Fulani and other African people is that the
Fulani have a huge respect for beauty. Beauty is considered very important and
one of the ways this is shown is through tattoos that are put all over the body.
A distinguishing feature of a Fulani can be their lips, which are many times a
blackish color from the use of Henna or tattooing done on the mouth. Being brave
and fearless are very important for the Fulani as is seen by their numerous
weapons. One tradition is that when 2 boys reach coming of age they two boys hit
each other with their staffs not showing any pain but instead laughing. Many
have died in these ceremonies which are now against the law in many countries
but continue to be practiced.
The Fulani normally raise large amounts of cattle and have therefore settled in
large plain areas of Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso and Guinea. The Fulani hold to a
strict caste system. The 4 caste subdivisions are the nobility, merchants,
blacksmiths, and descendents of slaves of wealthy Fulani.
Text from Africa Guide
the last wagon
on their way to a new home
nearby market
