The Fulani Of Nigeria

Fulani Dwelling (Domed House)

One of our inspirations is the Fulani people of Nigeria. I've mentioned this before but just want to emphasize it again in case it was missed somehow. I went to a Fulani settlement (Ruga- in Hausa) in Kwoi Nigeria to get inspiration and it was quite an experience. 


First of all I met one of the men herding and I asked him where he lived and he described it, so off I went with my cousin. I didn't think our car was going to make it, but somehow we managed to drive through the untarred road or what barely seemed like a road, and stopped somewhere, then walked to the settlement. 


Unfortunately for us all the men had gone out herding and it was just the women and children but I still got some good shots of the kids and women. Made some friends and just had a laugh taking their pictures and talking to the women.

Brief History: The Fulani are an ethnic group of people spread over many countries, predominantly in West Africa. The Fulani people of Nigeria are generally nomads. The traditional dress of the Fula consists of long colourful flowing robes, modestly embroidered or otherwise decorated.They decorate themselves with necklaces, earrings, nose rings and anklets.


Fulani's are primarily known to be pastoralists, but are also traders in some areas. Most Fula's in the countryside spend long times alone on foot, moving their herds; they were the only major migrating people of West Africa, though most Fula's now live in towns or villages.


The physical resemblance between the pure Fulani and representations of the Proto-Egyptians is remarkable. The Fulani, according to tradition, are heirs of the Egyptian pharaohs, evident in the artistic way of braiding their hair as well as the traditional costume that distinguishes them.


Some Notable Nigerian Fulanis are Usman Dan Fodio-founder of the Sokoto Caliphate, Umaru Yar'Adua former president of Nigeria, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa -Nigeria's First Prime minister, Aliko Dangote- Richest person of African Descent and many other prominent people.




Wise, Christopher, ed. 2001. The Desert Shore: Literatures Of The Sahel.


*Unfortunately this Ruga was razed down due to the recent political uprisings in Kaduna State Nigeria.