Kirdi (meaning "pagan") is a broad, collective name for several people groups living in northern Cameroon, southeastern Nigeria, and southwestern Chad. At one time, all of these groups were completely traditional in their religious views. Today, some have become Muslim and wear traditional Islamic dress. Each tribe speaks its own dialect of Biu-Mandara, a Chadic language.
The Fulbe are the dominant people group of the North Central African region. In the 1800s, the Kirdi (non-Fulbe) tribes fiercely resisted Fulbe domination. During this period, they fled to the Mandara Mountains, hills, and isolated valleys, where they still live today.
One of the Kirdi groups is the North Mofu. They have their own language by the same name and about half are Muslim.
Most of the North Mofu are farmers who raise crops on hillside terraces. Peanuts, maize and millet are among the main crops. They also grow melons, pumpkins and beans. Millet and other cereals are usually grown on the mountains or hill slopes, while other crops are raised in gardens near the houses. Cotton, indigo (used for dyeing), and plants that are used for hunting, religious medicines, and other purposes are also grown.
A North Mofu man's work includes crafting leather, making baskets, spinning, weaving and building. Women make clay objects, train the small children, prepare the meals, and do other household activities. A woman raises crops on a small plot of land. The profits earned from selling these crops belong to the woman. Children take care of the small animals and help their older siblings or parents do other household chores.
Traditionally, North Mofu houses were grouped into small village settlements by clan or lineage. The villages were clustered around mountain peaks that could not easily be accessed by outsiders. They were protected by mud-brick barriers that had been overgrown by thorn bushes. Today, their villages are composed of several round buildings made of mud-brick and thatched roofs. The buildings are connected by woven straw fences or hedges. The buildings are positioned so that there is an open area in the center. Each home has a kitchen, an attic, and a room for the husband; the wife lives in a separate hut. When the children reach puberty they add separate rooms for them. Young males are given square huts where they live until they are married.
Although polygamy is permitted among the Kirdi, most men usually have only one wife. Marriages are almost always arranged by the parents; children do not choose their own mates. Once they make an agreement his parents pay the bride price and the young couple starts a new homestead.
The North Mofu culture contains various arts, such as vocal and instrumental music. Their main musical instruments include whistles, flutes, horns, harps and drums. They play these instruments during festivals and at special ceremonies.
Each clan has its own "therapist-diviner" or medicine man. He benefits the community by supplying various medicines. He also serves as a mediator between the people and the spirits and performs minor surgical operations. The medicine man is paid with modest gifts from the villagers.
The North Mofu do not pray to this god, but rather to their ancestors, whom they believe will intercede on their behalf. Beliefs about this creator god might be a bridge to biblical truth.
The North Mofu are wavering between Islam and traditional ethnic religion. Most believe in a single god who is the creator of all things and who keeps his creation in order. They believe that this god only intervenes with his creation when order has been disturbed. The North Mofu do not pray to this god, but rather to their ancestors, whom they believe will intercede on their behalf. The North Mofu believe that the Earth is the "mother goddess" who has birthed all other "supernatural" beings, including thunder and lightning, black snakes, crocodiles, and certain inanimate objects.
Although the North Mofu have shown some interest in Christian teachings, very few have accepted Jesus as their Savior. There is a group of Christian believers among them. They need to take the only savior to the others. The North Mofu people must be told that the Creator is not an impersonal god, but rather a loving Savior who wants them to be part of his eternal family.
Pray for North Mofu leaders to open the doors for the gospel to enter their communities.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will increase their hunger for the word of God and open their eyes to the truth.
Pray for loving and dedicated workers who will not stop until there is a reproducing North Mofu church.
Pray that churches will plant other churches among each Kirdi tribe.
Scripture Prayers for the Mofu, North in Cameroon.
https://www.101lasttribes.com/tribes/mofu.html
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
