A continued look into the cultures and people of Africa. You can read Part One Here
In South Africa, the oldest inhabitants are the Bushmen/San people. Found across the Kalahari Desert, the Bushmen are hunters and gatherers that have no land rights that some of the other tribes have. Located mostly in Malawi with some in Zambia and Zimbabwe are the Chewa people who migrated there from Zaire. The have their own language Chichewa and believe in a higher god called Chaunta, that creates all lining things. The have distinct cultures and beliefs.
In Southeastern Mali and Burkina Faso, you will find the cliff dwelling people, Dogon. They are true to their beliefs of rituals and ceremonies and resist outside foreign influences. They are known for their hand carved woodwork. The Fang people are found in the rainforests of Gabon. Farming is their main occupation. They are an aggressive group that has been feared by other tribes. Until the 17th century, they were cannibals. Located in West Africa with a total of more than 2 million people are the Fon people. The group is made up of farmers, fisherman, and market people that practice Christianity and Voodoo. They are known for their voodoo events and religious ceremonies.
The largest group of nomadic people in the world is found in West Africa. The Fulani are a diverse group that was among the first people in Africa to convert to Islam. Cattle are a sign of wealth among the Fulani people. The Ibo people are located in Nigeria. The have their own language that comes from parts of many other languages. Ceremonies and rituals are performed by priests and priestesses that also help in all other spiritual matters. They worship many gods with the main god being Chukwu.
The largest ethnic group in Kenya is the Kikuyu. The Kikuyu people grow a variety of fruits and vegetables including bananas, yams, maize and beans just to name a few. They raise livestock such as sheep, cattle, and goats. In the Kikuyu culture, the girls tend to the crops while the boys tend to the animals. Among the plains of East Africa are the Maasai people. While some of the Maasi people tend to the cattle herds and grow crops others have taken jobs in nearby towns. Many Maasai belong to Christian churches some still believe in a god that can manifest himself as good or evil.
In Western Africa in the countries of Senegal, Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau are the Mandinka people. Rich is music, spiritual rituals, and tradition the Mandinka people are true to their culture and faith even though they have incorporated Islam into their religion. Many men have jobs in other towns while the women tend to the crops that they depend on for food. The pygmy people are spread across the lands of Western and Central Africa. They are made up of a bunch of diverse Pygmy groups. They are farmers, fisherman, and gatherers who live off the land.
The people of Africa are made up of many diverse groups. They are cultural and spiritual people who believe in their religion and faith.
