Homes
Their dwellings tend to be simple round mud huts with thatched roofs or made of cane covered in cow dung. They often live in small, temporary camps as they are nomadic herders; these can be quickly dismantled as they move in search of pasture and water for their herds. Because of the settlements' distance from towns, modern health care is not readily available. However, in recent years, the Fulani have also settled in towns and cities. In the cities they usually reside in large family houses or compounds. In the typical family compound they have a grass hut with room for as many as three beds inside. These beds are raised off the ground to get away from some bugs, and very hard with a firm wooden foundation covered by a millet stalk mat.
Among the nomadic Fulani, life can be extremely harsh. The women spend a lot of time weaving a variety of items, such as the walls and roofs of the huts. Tall grasses are woven together to make the tops of the huts. Other plants are used to weave what makes the walls of the huts. Each item is inexpensive yet tedious and painful on the hands, however, it makes for very affordable housing which sheds water and stands up to the weather for one to two years.
Among the nomadic Fulani, life can be extremely harsh. The women spend a lot of time weaving a variety of items, such as the walls and roofs of the huts. Tall grasses are woven together to make the tops of the huts. Other plants are used to weave what makes the walls of the huts. Each item is inexpensive yet tedious and painful on the hands, however, it makes for very affordable housing which sheds water and stands up to the weather for one to two years.
Recreational Activities
Among the settled Fulani, there is a variety of local sports and games, including wrestling and boxing. Western sports such as soccer and track and field are now found in communities and schools. Dancing is common among the Fulani youth. Some are performed for their closest friends and family, and some in the marketplace as well as festivals. Among the settled people, musicians and praise-singers perform at festivities such as weddings, naming ceremonies, and Islamic holidays. Today, most Fulani own radios and enjoy Western music. Many of the settled Fulani have stereos, televisions, and VCRs.
Education
All Fulani adults and older children help educate the younger children through scoldings, sayings and proverbs, and stories. In many communities, children from about the age of six attend Islamic (Koranic) school. Here they study, recite the scriptures, and learn about the practices, teachings, and morals of Islam. Nowadays, Fulani children in towns and cities attend primary and secondary schools and some eventually enroll in universities. It is more difficult for the children of nomadic families to attend school because they are often on the move.
Family Roles
During the cold season and hot season, the men tend to spend time repairing their homes, digging or re-digging wells, and preparing the fields for planting. They also spend a lot of time weaving many items to use.
It is the woman's role to take care of all household tasks. They spend several hours preparing the evening meal. They are also responsible for laundry, collecting wood, and caring for small children. In addition to these tasks the women also spend time weaving with dried grass to make mats or other useful items. Many of them are allowed to sell leftover milk or milk products in order to buy cloth or ingredients for their food. In addition to these tasks the women also spend time weaving with dried grass to make mats or other useful items. Many of them are allowed to sell leftover milk or milk products in order to buy cloth or ingredients for their meals.
Fulani children begin to learn their roles very early. While Fulani families would prefer their children to attend Koranic schools to study and memorize Koranic verses, many cannot afford the fees of the schools. Boys follow their fathers to learn how to tend the cattle or work in the millet field. When the boys reach the age of about 10 they are put in charge of following the cattle. Girls also help with the cattle if but only until about the age of 9 or 10. Other common jobs for young girls is gathering firewood and helping to look after their younger siblings. Girls are taught by the older women how to be a good wife when they are married.
It is the woman's role to take care of all household tasks. They spend several hours preparing the evening meal. They are also responsible for laundry, collecting wood, and caring for small children. In addition to these tasks the women also spend time weaving with dried grass to make mats or other useful items. Many of them are allowed to sell leftover milk or milk products in order to buy cloth or ingredients for their food. In addition to these tasks the women also spend time weaving with dried grass to make mats or other useful items. Many of them are allowed to sell leftover milk or milk products in order to buy cloth or ingredients for their meals.
Fulani children begin to learn their roles very early. While Fulani families would prefer their children to attend Koranic schools to study and memorize Koranic verses, many cannot afford the fees of the schools. Boys follow their fathers to learn how to tend the cattle or work in the millet field. When the boys reach the age of about 10 they are put in charge of following the cattle. Girls also help with the cattle if but only until about the age of 9 or 10. Other common jobs for young girls is gathering firewood and helping to look after their younger siblings. Girls are taught by the older women how to be a good wife when they are married.