Toussian, Northern in Burkina Faso

Introduction / History

The Northern Toussian people reside in the southwest of Burkina Faso, near Bobo-Dioulasso.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Northern Toussian are primarily farmers who migrate continually in search of adequate farmland. They raise grains such as sorghum, millet and maize, as well as yams, squash, beans, peppers and rice. They sell some of their crops in local markets, especially sorghum beer. Most families also raise cattle, sheep, goats and chickens. Wage-paying jobs have recently attracted some of the Lobi-Wala to parts of southern Ghana or Cote d’Ivoire.

Men do most of the work in the fields on the farms, but women help with planting and harvesting. Women cultivate their own vegetable gardens, collect forest products, gather firewood and haul water. Women also prepare the meals and make the beer. Both men and women build the houses.

Northern Toussian live in village settlements that consist of several compounds. The settlements are widely scattered to leave room for farming and each family's herds. Larger bush farms are located farther away from the settlements.

Mothers care for their babies and breastfeed them until they can walk. At that time, children are considered to have become human and are entitled to a proper burial. Older sisters care for toddlers. Girls play house around the compounds and sometimes help their mothers carry water or grind cereals. The boys help their fathers herd the cattle. Lobi girls, unlike girls from other tribes in the region, may also help their fathers and brothers with the herding.

Various ceremonies are held each year at household shrines. For instance, they celebrate the end of the farming season and the abundance of grain with dancing. Ceremonies also accompany events such as births, marriages and deaths. The most important ceremonies, however, center on initiations into secret societies, particularly for boys who are trained to be community leaders.

The Northern Toussian are noted for their expert xylophone players, who perform at funerals and dances. They also carve ancestor shrines, animals, gods and stools.

What Are Their Beliefs?

While some have adopted Islam, a majority of the Northern Toussians follow their traditional animistic beliefs (the belief that non-human objects have spirits) mingled with Islam. Their animistic religion is centered on deceased ancestors and objects of nature, both of which they worship. They believe the Earth watches over the community and brings fertility to the soil. According to their worldview, ancestral spirits watch over the lineage and remain involved with household matters. These ancestral spirits need to be fed and cared for. If they become hungry and dissatisfied when they are not properly appeased, they turn into evil spirits. These animists also believe they can catch spirits in animals and objects. Then, they build a shrine to these same spirits.

What Are Their Needs?

There is a need for Christian broadcasts and evangelistic literature to extend the gospel to every Northern Toussian family effectively.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to give wisdom and favor to mission groups and prayer groups focusing on this area.
Ask the Lord to send evangelists and teachers to the Northern Toussian.
Ask God to grow strong local Christians to fellowship among the Toussian.
Ask God to provide signs and healings as local Christians witness about Jesus.

Text Source:   Joshua Project