Bassari people

The Bassari are a small African nation, located in the southeast of West African State of Senegal. Located near the National Park Niokolo -Koba region is also known as Bassari mountains or as Bassari country. Partial living members of the people, which is one of the oldest in Senegal, also in the northern Guinea and Guinea -Bissau.

The number of members who are mainly farmers, is between 10,000 and 30,000 (according to another source, only 2500). They have their own language, which belongs to the Tenda - language family. The Bassari have retreated during the religious wars in the hilly Bassari country, the foothills of the Fouta Djallon Massif and thus preserved their originality.

Their way of life is marked animistic. This is one reason why members of other peoples in Senegal they treat rather condescending and view the Bassari as backward savages. Its around 30 villages are usually high up on the hills, from which they could be better defended in earlier times. Their rugged thatched huts and their colorful festive dress are a popular motif for postcards and picture books.