Africa boasts of some of the world’s oldest and most enthralling cultures and traditions that date back to hundreds and even thousands of years.
There are many you don’t know or might not even have heard of. But here are 4 African cultures to know.
The Gio Tribe of Ivory Coast: Living With Their Mothers
In the Gio Tribe of Ivory Coast, children do not live with their fathers. The women have their own houses (typically small huts), where they live with their children until they are old enough to move out and be on their own.
The Songo Tribe of Northern Angola: Uncles raise the sons
In the Northern Angolan Songo tribe, when male children reach 5 or 6 years, they are sent to live with their uncles on the mother’s side. Now you may think their mums are callous, but this is the tradition. Chiefs inherit their titles and positions through matrilineal lines. The biological parents don’t disown their children entirely and are still involved in milestone ceremonies.
The Massai people of Kenya and Tanzania: Wild Animals are their kin
The Massai people of Kenya and Tanzania are opposed to killing wild animals. They freely keep livestock, but wild animals are left untouched. The Massai people consider these wild animals clan members. Each clan has a specific species which they keep close to them and treat as a clan member.
The Fulani of West Africa: Flogging the Suitor
In the Fulani tribe in West Africa, beating the suitor is followed as part of the Sharo tradition. The custom is usually done when two men are trying to win the same woman.
To determine the woman’s worthy suitor, they would have to be beaten up – a severe public flogging. The man who can take the beating while showing the least or no sign of pain can take the woman as a wife. Wahala.
You can also read more about other fascinating African cultures here, from the Tuaregs: The Blue Men of the Sahara to the Red Ochre: The Himba of Namibia. Enjoy!
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