Bassari Country, Cultural landscape in Kedougou Region, Senegal.
Bassari Country is a cultural landscape in Kedougou Region spread across multiple villages nestled among hills, valleys, and flowing rivers. The Bassari, Fula, and Bedik communities maintain their way of life through traditional agriculture passed down through generations.
Settlement waves brought Bassari, Fula, and Bedik groups to these remote hills between the 11th and 13th centuries. These migrations established the distinct communities that continue living here today.
The villages show how Bassari, Fula, and Bedik communities live through music, ceremonies, and crafts visible in daily work. Pottery, weaving, and mask-making happen openly and connect residents to their traditions.
Reaching the villages requires careful planning ahead since transportation is limited in this remote area. Visitors should be prepared for rough travel conditions and allow extra time for the journey.
Archaeological evidence shows people have lived in this area since Neolithic times, making it a place of continuous human settlement. Today's residents still build with mud bricks and farm as their ancestors did, keeping this ancient pattern alive.
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