I have always taken pride in being that person who knows more then they probably should because I’m always curious to learn about everything. I’m always watching the history channel, biography, national geographic or something.
During the holidays I had all my dinners at my god-parents house. One hour or two around them, and you began to fill silly, ignorant and unworthy of their conversation. Not because they do it on purpose, but because they are very intellectual, and by nature… They have no issue if you are clueless, but at the same time, its no fun having a one sided conversation and just nodding your head. So whenever they mentioned something or someone, I would immediately buy a book, or get on google.
During dinner for New Years/Slash my god brothers birthday I wore a cool pair of earrings I purchased at Sheckys Girls Night out. I has no idea that they actually meant. So my god-mother she looks over at me and says. “You got your Fulani’s you look so beautiful in them” My response…while looking around to see what she meant. I see her eye balling my earrings. “oh yeah…they took forever you put in” End of conversation.
What the hell was a Fulani? I had no idea… So I did my research.
The Fulani Tribe is known as the nomadic peoples who have been influential in regional politics, economics, and histories throughout western Africa for over a thousand years. Thousands! A Muslim tribe they are responsible for bringing Islam and spreading it throughout most of West Africa. They are 6 million plus strong to this day. They are one of the oldest tribes in Africa.
While I was unable to find any information to see if maybe the earrings have a significant meaning, or perhaps they are a right of passage. I did notice that are way huge, when worn buy those of the Fulani Tribes. Our version is small. They Flatten out brass plates and twist them in these beautiful earrings. The actual post is a bit large, and probably can’t fit every bodies ears.
The Hunger Site Sells them for 19.95 and with each purchase they will donate 50 Cups of food to those in need.
African Imports has Silver Fulanis for 31.00
If you live near any ethnic markets you may be able to find them. I’m sure a simple google search will lead you in the right direction.
3 comments
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February 9, 2010 at 4:25 pm
shantijanae
Love this post…simply because i like the fact you went and searched…so many people would have just left it at the dinner table with a thank you. The earrings are super cute and they do look mad hard to get in!!
kudos frm a Vixen!!
February 9, 2010 at 5:04 pm
ChellBellz
Oh yeah, I’m a very curious person. They more you know, the more opps you have in this world. There are so many things that we lack in American education, and I had never heard of this tribe. I heard about the typical tribe the Zulu and that’s it, everything else i learned was on my own.
February 21, 2010 at 6:16 pm
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