Information on the people of Mali, Africa

Despite being of Mali nationality, Mali's various ethnic groups hold many distinctions. The Bambaras, Dogons, Fulani and Tuaregs all maintain a strong sense of traditional identity to their pre-Malian roots.

The present borders of African countries were created for the needs and desires of colonists who gave little thought to the demographic makeup of the continent. Before the Europeans arrived, Africans were grouped in large, ethnic units, many of which held centuries-old antagonisms. By the time Europeans left, their legacy leaving new unnatural boundaries, rival ethnic groups were lumped into the same country and forced to battle it out for control. Whereas countries like Rwanda have seen extensive fighting between their ethnic groups of Hutus and Tutsis, Mali has been fairly lucky in her ability to accommodate the varied cultures within her borders, including the Bambara, the Fulani, the Dogon, the Bobo and Bozo, and the Tuareg. But despite an identity card stating one's nationality as Malian, natives maintain specific quirks for which their ethnicity is well known, adding to their uniqueness.

BAMBARA: The largest ethnic group consists of the Bambaras that tend to be those that hold the highest positions in government and commerce. The Bambaras are concentrated in the capital city of Bamako and to regions just north and south. Their language is called Bambara and is the most common form of communication throughout the country.

FULANI: The Fulani, or Peulhs, are traditionally cow herders. Before the creation of Mali, the Fulani had a strict caste system within their own tribes with nobles owning and caring for the prized cows and slaves handling the menial work in the fields. Cows are of utmost importance to Fulani and the number of heads in a Fulani man's herd represents his wealth. Peulhs are easily recognizable by their slight frames, lighter skin tone, and hook noses. Women usually wear large, heavy gold earrings that rip wide holes in their earlobes. Tattoos above the lip and on the gums of women are considered fashionable.

DOGON: One of the most interesting ethnic groups of Mali is the Dogons. Legend says that the Dogon fled to the rocky hills of Mali's Bangiagara region to escape invading tribes. Living in the cliffs, Dogon devised brilliant methods to grow crops and transport water. They are well known for their agricultural skills and commitment to hard work. When not tending to their fields, the Dogons are handy woodworkers and carve intricate designs over blocks of wood used as doors - many of which are prized by leading museums. Many Dogon have resisted converting to Islam like much of the rest of the country, and continue to believe in the animistic gods. Many religious ceremonies are held in absolute secrecy and any foreigner witnessing them is cursed to die. The Dogons have their own very complicated language. French and German missionaries over the years have succeeded in creating dictionaries of Dogon words, but the dialects are as numerous as the villages.

BOZO/BOBO: Bozos and Bobos are some of less prominent ethnic groups within Mali's borders. Bozo's are known for their fishing skills and tend to have their villages near the Niger and Bani rivers. Bozos do speak their own language, but knowledge of the language is nearly unknown by non-Bozos, so Bambara is frequently used. Bobos are not held in the highest prestige by other ethnic groups and are frequently disregarded, and left to their own villages. Bobos do carve beautiful ritual masks, and are also renown for their love of dog meat. They fill the role of animal control for villages and Bobo men can be seen roaming the streets looking for villagers to hand over any spare strays.

TUAREG: The men in blue of the desert are the infamous Tuareg. These legendary fighters -- known for their skill with the sword -- live mostly in the Northern reaches of Mali near Timbuktu and Kidal. Tuaregs originally controlled the caravan routes that brought salt to the south from the desert salt mines, but air transport has made the business less profitable in recent years. Tuareg's are very proud people with an ancient written language and traditions of poetry. Their nomadic roots have made it difficult for them to accept Malian borders, and they fiercely resisted statehood of their desert home. Only recently have the Tuaregs and the Malian government reached an agreement, and now many Tuaregs are employed in government services. Traditional Tuareg men are 'veiled' to mark their transition from adolescence. The thick helmet of cloth around their heads is never removed in the presence of anyone, and is worn even while sleeping and eating. The indigo with which they dye their robes rubs off of their skin, giving them the title 'blue men of the desert'. The sword is a Tuareg's most valued possession. Many are passed from generation to generation and said to be protected by the victories of its past owners.