peoples of Africa are often described in terms of their ethnic
background or their languages. There are several thousand ethnic groups in Africa, ranging in physical stature from the short Pygmies to the tall Maasai, each with its own cultural traditions.
Here are only a few of them.
note: Some of the peoples
and associations presented here are so closely related that more than
one topic heading may apply. For example, The Akan people are
given a page of their own, yet the Asante ( Ashanti ) are also an Akan
people, as are the Akuapem. So, a full search for the 'Akan' may
involve looking at pages dedicated to sub-groups as well. Some
sub-group pages may contain only a link or two, but they are still part
of a much larger picture.
You will find a similar relationship among some of other peoples
listed here. This is a case where a little advanced knowledge of
the subject may be an advantage when using these pages.
African Arts: Bamana: the art of existence in Mali __ This article is
a preview for an art exhibit. While the images have been removed, there
is enough information in the text to make a look worth while if you are
interested in some of the meaning and philosophy behind Bamana arts. -
from findarticles.com -
The Bamana of Mali __ "The Bamana (the majority of the Bambara are Bamana)
are characteristically tall and slim with fine features and a lighter skin than
many of the surrounding tribes (Wassing 1968, p. 16) . They are a patrilineal
society -- as are the Dogon, Fulani and other Mandingo groups of the region-- in
which the bond with father and brothers determines the clan name given to the
child, his education, heritage and succession" A good overview of the Bamana and
a lot of other information about African people. - From princetonol.com -
Bamana People __ "The Bamana are members of the Mande culture, a large and
powerful group of peoples in western Africa. Kaarta and Segou are Bamana
city-states, which were established in the 17th century and continued to have
political influence throughout the western Sudan states into the 19th century."
You will find material related to history, political structure, religion,
culture and more. - From University of Iowa -
The Bamana Segou State __ Learn about the history of the Bamana State.
"Although a Bamana state centered at the village of Sťgou-Koro flourished
briefly in the middle of the seventeenth century under the hunter and warrior
Kaladian Coulibaly, it was his descendant Mamary Coulibaly, called BitÚn, who
established a lasting polity in this region." The story begins in 1591. -
illustrated - From The Metropolitan Museum of Art -