Ethnos

Mossi

Mossi is the name of a people living in central Burkina Faso. There are approximately 3.5 million and they speak the More language. The Mossi states were created around 1500 A.D., when bands of horsemen rode north from what is now northern Ghana into the basin of the Volta River and conquered several less powerful peoples, including Dogon, Lela, Nuna, and Kurumba.

Today the Mossi are the largest ethnic group in Burkina Faso. Most live in villages in the Volta River Basin, and make a subsistence living from agriculture in an arid land, raising millet, sorghum, maize, sesame, peanuts, and indigo, the latter three are cash crops. Cattle are cared for by Fulani who receive a share of the farm crops in exchange.

Mossi continue to practice traditional ancestor worship and fertility rituals. Customs include pubescent circumcision, after which the oldest son leaves to live independently from the family. Wives have little status until the birth of their first child. Islam is also practised. ***