Fulani Tribe

By Molly and Alicia

About the people

Fula people or fulbe are an enthnic group of people spread over many countries. A few countries that the Fulani Tribes take place are Guinea, The Gambia, Mali, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. In Guinea there is a total population of 27 000 000 Fulani Tribes.

Guinea. Mali. Gambia.

History about Fulani Tribes

The people who are known to the English speakers as Fulani, Peulh or Toucouleur for French speakers, refer to themselves as Haalpulaar or Fulbe. The British have adopted the Hausa’s name for them because the first came into contact with them in Hausaland. They were originated in the A.D century.

Hausaland Mosque.

Clothes they wear

The traditional dress of the Fula consists of long colourful flowing robes , modestly embroidered or otherwise decorated. Also characteristic Fula tradition is that of women using Henna around the mouth, resulting in a blackening around the lips. Fula ethics are strictly governed by the notion of pulaaku. Men wear long robes to the lower calves with trousers of cotton. Herdsmen wear the distinctive conical straw hat and a turban. Women wear long robes and turbans. They decorate themselves with necklaces, earrings, nose rings and anklets.

Herding

Fula are primarily known to be pastoralists, but are also traders in some areas. Most Fula in the countryside spend long times alone on foot, moving their herds; they were the only major migrating people of West Africa, though most Fula now live in towns or villages. Wealth is counted by how large the herd of cattle is and how many cattle. Long ago Fulani tribes used to fight over cattle.

Music

The Fula have a rich musical culture and play a variety of traditional instruments including drums, has hoddu (a plucked skin-covered lute similar to a banjo) and riti or riiti (a one-string bowed instrument similar to a violin), in addition to vocal music. The well known Senegalese Fula popular musician Baaba Maal sings in Pulaar on his recordings. "Zaghareet" or ululation is a popular form of vocal music formed by rapidly moving the tongue sideways and making a sharp, high sound.

Food

The Fulani traditionally eat millet, milk and meat as staples. Millet is eaten in the morning, noon and night as a porridge with a sauce or stew which usually contains tomatoes, peppers, bone, meat, onion and water. On special occasions meat such as goat and beef is usually eaten. A thick beverage similar to the tuareg beverage eghajira is made by pounding goat cheese, milk, dates and millet.

Houses

Fula live in domed houses during the dry season. The domed house is supported by compact millet stalk pillars. During the wet season the house is covered by reed mats.

Thanks For Watching!!