Fulbe live throughout West Africa, from Senegal in the West to the Sudan Republic in the East. Typically, the Fulbe live in a geographical area known as the Sahel. Older literature sometimes called this area the Sudan or Western Sudan, but that usage is archaic since the creation of the Sudan Republic sometimes referred to in the past as the Sudan but is now commonly known as the Sahel.
Pulaaku and well being
Is all well with my self (my inner and my outer self ) ?
Integrity for a Pullo is summarized by three concepts that define correct behavior for the Fulbe. Behaving according to these three principles results in dignity while behaving contrarily results in shame.
a. hakkilo: intelligence, foresight.
When plans come together and success is met, decisions are proven to be good and the result is pride. As a shepherd, assessing the needs of the cattle correctly, knowing what needs to be done, doing it and thereby assuring the well-being of the cattle is to exercise hakkilo. The opposite of hakkilo would be to cause negative unforeseen consequences by our poor assessments, lack of know-how and their subsequent inappropriate actions, resulting in shame.
b. semteende: reserve, modesty
A child should no how to behave in front of his or her parents. Spouses should maintain a certain distance in public. These ideas describe this principle that governs our relations with others. A Pullo would not want to speak out of place, or make false assumptions in public.
c. munyal: patience, self control
This principle has to do with keeping emotions in check, not overreacting or not revealing emotions. This is especially true in situations of hardship: pain, hunger, economic need. Munyal helps people to keep going in the face of adversity.
According to tradition, hakkilo has its seat in the head, semteende in the belly, and munyal in the heart .I suggests more character traits can be added to this list: courage (bernde), beauty (farinjini), femininity for women (debbaaku), youth for the children (sukaaku) and maturity for the aged (ndottaku).
In life these inner qualities are constantly challenged by our outer needs, the challenges of life. How am I doing financially? do I have enough for food? can I care for my family? can I care for my animals? How are my relationships with others? Is there justice or injustice in my life. Like everyone, the Pullo lives in a tension between being satisfied in this world and assuring one's inner integrity. For the Pullo, integrity, dignity, self-respect revolve around these ethical principles.
