N’Djamena – Exploring the beauty of Africa through its colorful history, rich cultural influences, and ethnic communities is a memorable adventure for any individual. Travelers as well as locals need to know, however, that having a distinct ethnicity is more than sharing a common language, traditional dances, and folklore. Being a part of a certain group reflects on its values, beliefs, aspirations, and even the community’s historical experiences as a whole. In particular, there is a growing need to see each African society as a unique institution that functions on an elaborate system.
An example of a particular group that needs more understanding and research is the Buduma of West Africa. A great mystery as well as a notion of lost or understated identity lies beyond the Sahara. Africa may have experienced a long struggle in going back to its ethnic roots as presented in modern days. History has labeled and established an image of this great continent through the perspective given by European records. This image presented to the public consisted mainly of images that were based on another culture’s standards. This is why it’s important to learn and understand ethnic practices at its core.
Buduma of Lake Chad
The Afro-Asiatic linguistic family, Buduma, has a deep connection and history with Lake Chad. They have even been related to the ancient Egyptians because of the similarities in their languages. Considered as highly independent people, the Buduma ethnic group is an esteemed tribe with fierce warriors. Throughout the decades, they have protected the waters of the lake and even raided neighboring islands for slaves and cattle during pre-colonial times.
The Buduma learned to adapt to the harsh, marshy environment of the lake. They have developed a method of swimming where they use floats made from small aquatic trees. This method has allowed them to swim faster around the area.
Understanding the Buduma
Aside from the reputation of the Buduma as efficient raiders, information about the tribe is scarce. Research about their practices is still being explored because of the remaining fear on the side of some nearby communities. Studies have to deal with the history of the two main groups of people living on the islands of Lake Chad, with the bigger group living in the northern parts and the smaller group staying in the southeastern islands. Both groups share the same language (Yedinami), but are known as Yedina and Kuri, respectively. However, the general term of Buduma can refer to both tribes or solely the Yedina of the north.
Aside from the gap with the other tribes, Lake Chad’s position is also a factor in reaching out to the Buduma. There are areas around the region that were colonized by three different European powers. Extensive linguistic abilities are necessary to successfully understand and conduct a field study of the community. Still, the Buduma people show and follow a similar African system that is based on the clan, tribe, family, and lineage. They share ethnic, cultural, and linguistic characteristics that identify them as a social organization with roots that come from the long inter-communal relations across the continent.
As Africa continues to move forward with its modern practices, the Buduma and other ethnic groups have to adapt to economic, political, and even environmental changes. A possible loss in its core ethnic identity may come as a big concern in the future. As the lake shrinks further and the surrounding lands turn into more unfamiliar places, the Buduma may become a residual phenomenon of history, with its known language but unclear and feared beginnings.
Image from Kerry Spencer, http://kerryspencer.blogspot.com/2006/11/buduma-people.html
