THE FULANI PEOPLE OF WEST AFRICA

THE FULANI PEOPLE

The Fulani people of west Africa are the largest nomadic group in the world. As a group they contain a vast array of diverse people who were conquered and became a part of the Fulani through the spread of islam

The origins of the Fulani people are highly disputed, some believe that they are of north African or Arabic origin, characterized by the lighter skin and straighter hair. Some Afirican even refer to them as white people.

The most important object in Fulani society is cattle. There are many names, traditions, and taboos concerning cattle. The number of cows a person owns is a sign of his wealth. The Fulani also have a huge respect for beauty. Beauty is considered very important and one of the ways this is shown is through tattoos that are pit all over the body.

Being brave and fearless is also a very important aspect of the Fulani, and that is obvious by their numerous weapons. One tradition is that when two boys reach coming of age, the two boys hit each other with their spears, 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 praticed.