This nation, numbering almost 5 million people, is the most numerous in Senegal. Its history goes back to antiquity, and its traditions are very interesting.
In addition to their own language, which is part of the Niger-Congolese family, which is extremely common in Africa, the Wolof also speak English, French and sometimes even Arabic. So we can say that it is a polyglot nation.
Religiously, too, everything is quite difficult. The basis, naturally, is the traditional pagan beliefs. Some Wolof groups are completely devoted to them, but there are even more who confuse them with Christianity or Islam.
In general, the spread of religions here is quite interesting. Islam began to penetrate the Wolof people living in West and Central Africa about a thousand years ago, but did not become very established, although it did have some influence.
After about a couple of centuries, the people had a semblance of their own state, which became dependent on the Mali empire. It lasted until about the middle of the 16th century. Not long before this, the Wolof had managed to get acquainted with Christianity, which was brought to them by the first Portuguese slave traders.
I must say that on the basis of this occupation, the Wolof easily found a common language with the fellow countrymen of the glorious Vasco da Gama, becoming one of the best hunters for people. They dived almost all over Africa, made amazing marches, and all in order to catch more two-legged cattle. Naturally, it is not customary to talk about it loudly now.
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When the French began to advance to these places, the Wolof took the side of their Portuguese companions. But things did not go well, and a couple of centuries ago, these lands became part of the French colonies. At the same time, the re-penetration of Islam began to these places, and various Sufi brotherhoods began to acquire significant influence.
This Islamic branch, on the one hand, being very scrupulous in matters of rituals, at the same time is distinguished by the greatest democracy. In Sufism, oddly enough, in general there are many pantheistic ideas and contemplative mysticism, for which it has been repeatedly criticized by other Muslims.
But, be that as it may, the Wolof-Sufis do not provoke conflicts, and the women in their society, although they occupy a subordinate position, do not resemble the downtrodden. However, this may be the merit of the pagan traditions of the Wolof, in which women sometimes had solid privileges over men.
Now the Wolofs have a great influence on the life of Senegal, occupy leading positions and are generally represented in all strata of Senegalese society. Although the most interesting are those who live in the countryside. Traditions have been preserved much stronger among them, and looking at their bright outfits and beautiful, cheerful faces, the mood involuntarily rises.
