| Location: |
Southwestern Chad |
| Population: |
100,000 |
| Language: |
Laka/Mboum (Niger-Congo) |
| Neighboring Peoples: |
Sara, Cameroonian peoples, Fulani |
| Types of Art: |
Most Laka art are body arts, which are most evident during initiation.
|
| History: |
It is believed that Laka peoples originated from the northwest in the
area near Lake Chad and were pushed southward over the last two centuries
by the expansion of the Fulani empire into their current location in
southern Chad. They share linguistic and cultural ties with their
Cameroonian neighbors who live to the south and were also pushed south by
the Fulani. |
| Economy: |
Cotton is the primary crop grown for export. Millet and peanuts are
also staples. Most Laka are sedentary farmers who plant seasonal crops
during the rainy season, which extends from April to October. |
| Political Systems: |
Most villages are organized around a patrilineage. Leadership is
accorded to those elders in the village who are able to trace their
descent from the first Laka lineage to occupy the village. Other lineages
may live in a village, but the descendents of the first lineage usually
retain a paramount status. As such, they are responsible for heading
initiation instruction and making most important agricultural decisions. A
council of elders with representatives from each lineage work together to
govern a village. |
| Religion: |
Laka religion centers around recognition of the ancestors. Ownership
of land is directly tied to the founding ancestors' remains being buried
on that land. Offerings are made to the ancestors daily in the form of
libations and food offerings. |
