Wogo

Wogo / Wokos / Woko

The Wogo people are a small subgroup of the broader Songhai people. The Wogos are a relatively small ethnic group living today in Mali, Nigeria, and Niger. They are found primarily in Niger and Mali on the banks and islands of the Niger river, a territory they share with the Zarma, the Kurtey and the Songhay. The main Wogo communities are found on the islands in the Tillabery region of Niger with the largest being Ayorou in Niger and Boura in Mali.

 

Origins

They spread out of Mali, down the Niger River, and reached present- day Niger and Nigeria early in the 1800s. Already Islamicized, they settled among and then did battle with the Kurtey people in the region. . They are a homogeneous people who maintain close ties across international boundaries.

 

Language

Wogos speak a Songhai language.They speak the Wogo Ciine songhay dialect.

 

Economy and society

The Wogos are mainly farmers of rice and tobacco and to some extent millet, corn, fishing and rearing of cattle. The Niger River is their main source of living. Most Wogos are fine farmers, many of whom earn extra cash by working seasonally in Ghana

Culture

They represent a mixture of Sarakole (Soninke) and Sorko culture.

The Wogos are very closely related to the Songhai culturally. They almost speak the same language as them and are both Muslims, but the Wogos practice holy possession dances which the Songhays do not. They are also good craftsmen especially in weaving and basketry.

 

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