Young Fulani Girl
Who are the Fulani?
The Fulani (French Peul) are one of the largest nomadic ethnic groups in the world. They are primarily West African, but can also be seen in Central and North Africa, making them one of the most widely dispersed and culturally diverse people in all of Africa. The Fulani are primarily herdsmen, raising cattle, sheep and goats, and many of their cultural taboos and traditions revolve around cattle.
The Fulani were the first in West Africa to embrace Islam, doing so in the 11th century. They conferred holy wars on other West African tribes during the 18th and 19th centuries in an attempt to convert others to Islam. The Fulani also had disputes with tribes that were agriculturally based as their livestock often decimated cultivated lands and crops.
The most characteristic feature of Fulani women is the use of perioral markings that blacken the lips and surrounding skin with either henna or, more typically, by tattoo. The women also decorate themselves with necklaces, earrings, nose rings and anklets.
Photo taken in a daga (unnamed village) in Mali, somewhere along the NIger River.
Young Fulani Girl
Who are the Fulani?
The Fulani (French Peul) are one of the largest nomadic ethnic groups in the world. They are primarily West African, but can also be seen in Central and North Africa, making them one of the most widely dispersed and culturally diverse people in all of Africa. The Fulani are primarily herdsmen, raising cattle, sheep and goats, and many of their cultural taboos and traditions revolve around cattle.
The Fulani were the first in West Africa to embrace Islam, doing so in the 11th century. They conferred holy wars on other West African tribes during the 18th and 19th centuries in an attempt to convert others to Islam. The Fulani also had disputes with tribes that were agriculturally based as their livestock often decimated cultivated lands and crops.
The most characteristic feature of Fulani women is the use of perioral markings that blacken the lips and surrounding skin with either henna or, more typically, by tattoo. The women also decorate themselves with necklaces, earrings, nose rings and anklets.
Photo taken in a daga (unnamed village) in Mali, somewhere along the NIger River.