The Jola are one of the ethnic groups in Africa. They live in southwestern Senegal, Guinea-Bissau and The Gambia. “The total population is 220,000.” (2001 pray.org) Most of the Jola live in the Gambia. According to the statistics, about 130,000 of the Jola live in the Gambia. (Graphicmaps.com) In 1965, the Gambia gained independence from the U.K. People called the place “Senegambia” at that time. Before they formed the national confederation of Senegambia, Senegal joined with the Gambia in 1960. But Senegal and the Gambia were separated in 1989. Historically, the Jola lived in those countries that were colonies of France or the U.K.
The social status of the Jola is decided by their birth. “At the top of the social heap are traditional noble and warrior families, followed by the farmers, traders and persons of caste-blacksmiths, leather workers, wood workers, weavers and griots (GREE-oh). Griots are the lowest of the castes”. (iindiawatch.com) Most are Muslim and they usually wear a pouch, which is made of leather around their neck or waist. The pouch is called “gris-gris”, which is pronounced “gree-gree”. They believe that the pouch brings good luck or helps avoid evil. The Jola mainly eat rice and millet. In addition, they harvest peanuts as the main cash crop.
The Jola speak Jola language. Football (soccer) is Africa’s most popular game, we can see the informal style of soccer games in the any towns or villages. Concerning their place to live, there are some buildings that show influence of the Transatlantic Slave Trade era. For example, “the architectural design of the carved wooden balconies and verandas of French colonial homes, the French flavor in Senegalese cuisine and French music are popular. Other countries influenced their culture. The Jola are continuing to change. However, there is one thing that they can not change unfortunately. Getting jobs can be very difficult for the Jola. Although slavery is already gone, many people who are the children of slaves still work for the tenant farmers.
Bibliography
2001 pray.org 2001prayAfrica.30.April2001 <http://www.2001pray.org/PeopleGroups/Jola-Fogny.htm>
Graphicmaps.com WorldAtlas.com.1996-2001Graphicmaps1.May2001 <http://www.graphicmaps.com/webimage/countrys/africa/gmcia.htm>
Iindiawatch.com Republic of the Gambia. 2000-2001 Image e-com Technologies Pvt. Ltd.1.May2001<http://www.iindiawatch.com/diplomat/nations/gambia.htm>
by Hirose, Masaru