Many distinct groups of people live in West Africa, each with its own language and culture.  In Niger alone more than seven languages are spoken.  Once the team reaches Niger they will come into contact with many different peoples -- Arab, Djerma ("jeer-ma"), Hausa ("house-a"), and particularly Fulani ("foo-lahn-ee") and Touareg ("twar-egg").
    The traditional lifestyle of the Touareg and Fulani is nomadic.  This way of life is being threatened by the expansion of the desert and political pressures.  The end of French colonial rule of Niger in 1960 brought less, rather than more, independence for these groups.  Artificially-created borders boxed in these wide-spread nomadic peoples and kept them from moving freely and accessing crucial water holes.
    The Fulani held at least seven kingdoms in West Africa between the 10th and 18th centuries and they have spread throughout many West African countries.  The peoples known most cpmmonly as "Fulani" are referred to by a nomber of names.  Fulani is a Hausa term; others include: Peul and Toroobe (Town Fulani).
    Fulani tend to be tall, elegant and thin with long dark hair, oval faces and a light complexion.  The women often wear brightly colored robes and elaborately-braided hairstyles.  Pastoral Fulani primarily raise cattle and live on dairy products; meat is eaten only on ceremonial occasions.  A number of Fulani in Niger are settled and combine farming with cattle raising.  The traditional language of the Fulani is called "Fulfulde" or "Ful," which belongs to the Niger-Congo language family.  Many Fulani also speak French, the dominant language of Niger.  Similar to the Touaregs, Fulani origins are unclear and the Fulani hold a number of origin myths.
    For centuries Touaregs operated the main camel routes across the Sahara.  The Mediterranean features of the Touaregs, such as light brown skin and straight hair, set them apart from other peoples in the area.  The language of the Touaregs is called Tomacheck; the written form is called Tiflin.  In contrast to other Islamic cultures in which the women are veiled, in Touareg tradition it is the men who are veiled.  The veils, which provide protection from the wind and sun, are often dyed with indigo which stains their cheeks.  This is the source of their long-standing nickname: the blue men.  Touareg women are famed for their beautiful love poetry.  Many Touaregs are skilled silversmiths and leather workers.
    During the 1993 expedition to Niger, the paleontology team became friends with a Touareg family that lived near one of the dinosaur sites.  Most beloved by the team was an 11 year old boy named Mohammed, who often spent the entire day with the group.  His favorite treat was hot chocolate -- made with two packages of cocoa and just a little milk.  The team is looking forward to reuniting with their Touareg friends!

• the extended family is a force
• one person does not rule a nation
• an elderly woman
• there is fire in the Oyoko nation
• if you have something to say about me, let me first give you a stool to sit on
• I alone did not cause it to happen

  QUESTION: CHOOSE ONE OF THE PATTERN NAMES.  WHAT MESSAGE OR IDEA DOES IT CARRY?  WHY WOULD IT BE IMPORTANT TO DESIGN A PATTERN FOT IT? IDEA: DESIGN YOUR OWN KENTE PATTERN THAT CONVEYS AND IDEA OR FEELING THAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU. WHAT COLORS WILL YOU USE?  WHY?  WHEN YOU ARE FINISHED MAKE UP A KEY THAT WILL HELP US UNDERSTAND THE MEANING OF YOUR CLOTH.

• good deeds do not travel far

SOME SYMBOLIC MEANINGS OF COLORS IN KENTE CLOTH
black -- maturation, intensified spiritual energy
blue -- peacefulness, harmony and love
green -- vegetation, planting, harvesting, growth, spiritual renewal
gold -- royalty, wealth, high status, glory, spiritual purity
grey -- healing and cleansing rituals; associated with ash
maroon -- the color of mother earth; associated with healing
pink -- assoc. with the female essence of life; a mild, gentle aspect of red
purple -- assoc. with feminine aspects of life; usually worn by women
red -- political and spiritual moods; bloodshed; sacrificial rites
silver -- serenity, purity, joy; assoc. with the moon
white -- purification, sanctification rites and festive occasions
yellow -- preciousness, royalty, wealth, fertility