| 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.
|
