Bolon in Mali

People Name:	Bolon
Country:	Mali
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	14,000
World Population:	52,000
Primary Language:	Bolon
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	3.00 %
Evangelicals:	2.10 %
Scripture:	Translation Needed
Ministry Resources:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Manding
Affinity Bloc:	Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Bolon live in western Burkina Faso in a land of savannah, small forests and wet season marshes.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The people spend their lives farming and managing small herds of cattle, goats and sheep. Daily food includes millet, corn, sesame and groundnuts. Tobacco is a cash crop. Villagers use wood and charcoal for fuel and live in mud houses built around a central courtyard.

Extended families live close together, and the male head of the family has almost unlimited power over the other members. Each village is organized in a strict hierarchy according to sections, families and age classes. Each clan interprets customs differently, and thus dances and other ceremonies vary greatly from one village to another.

The people as a whole are known for their complex masks, which are very distinct from, and respected and feared by neighboring groups. The Bolon coexist with neighbors out of necessity, but prohibit intermarriage with the Senoufo, and will not tolerate Senoufo living in Bolon areas. The Bolon have retained their heritage and character despite years of outside contact.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The majority of villagers follow the traditional religion, and there is only one known Christian. Many are Muslims.

What Are Their Needs?

A low literacy rate may make audio-visual presentations of the gospel necessary.

Prayer Points

Pray for Bolon people to have such a desire for truth and righteousness that they will embrace Christ no matter what the cost in their communities.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out loving workers.
Pray for Bolon people to learn and teach from the Bible, leading many to become Christ’s disciples.