Vai people

The Vai are an ethnic group that is located in the West African countries of Liberia and Sierra Leone. Their population is estimated at about 200,000.

They are known for their syllabic writing system - the Vai script - known, which was developed in the 1820s and during the 19th century became widespread until their importance in the 20th century sank. The language of Vai Vai is the Mande language.

Representative

  • Momolu Massaquoi (1870-1938), Vai King and first Liberian Consul General in Hamburg. The American journalist and writer Hans -Jürgen Massaquoi is his grandson.
  • The writer Ernst Jünger was an honorary chief of the Vai in Liberia.
Vai syllabary Vai language
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