A new study has found that the Fulani, one of Africa’s largest pastoral populations, have a history going back to the ‘Green Sahara’ period (12,000–5,000 years before the present).
About Fulani Community:
The Fulani are a large and widely dispersed group of both nomadic herders and sedentary farmers living in the African Sahel/Savannah belt.
They are concentrated principally in Nigeria, Mali, Guinea, Senegal, and Nigerbut can also be found in several other countries.
Language: The Fulani language, known as Fula, is classified within the Atlantic branch of the Niger-Congo language family.
Fulani are divided into three groups: Makiyaya (herders), Fulanin Soro (those living in towns) and Bararo, which refer to Fulani living in forests. Bararo retain a close cultural connection to ancestral nature belief systems and rituals.
Social structure of Fulani Community:
The social structure of the pastoral Fulani is egalitarian, in marked contrast to that of other Muslim groups, such as the Hausa.
They value family and community, with strong kinship ties and clear gender roles.
Polygamy is practiced, and marriage is an important cultural milestone, often accompanied by elaborate rituals and festivals.
Their traditions are deeply intertwined with their spirituality, which is influenced by Islam, as well as their connection to the land and nature.
Fulani women are also known for their skill in weaving and craftsmanship.
Fulani women are famous for their intricate hairstyles, which are often adorned with beads, cowrie shells, and other decorative elements.
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