Zulgo-Gemzek in Cameroon

Introduction / History

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.

Kirdi (meaning "pagan") is a broad, collective name for a number of people groups living in northern Cameroon, southeastern Nigeria, and southwestern Chad. At one time, all of these groups were completely animistic. Today, some have become Muslim and wear traditional Islamic dress. Each tribe speaks its own dialect of Biu-Mandara, a Chadic language. One of these tribes is the Zulgo-Gemzek. They are defined by their language, Zulgo-Gemzek.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most of the Zulgo-Gemzek are farmers who raise crops on hillside terraces. Peanuts, maize, and millet are their main crops. They also grow melons, pumpkins, and beans. They grow grains like millet 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 Zulgo-Gemzek 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 may also raise her own 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, Zulgo-Gemzek 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. They add new rooms when the children reach puberty. Young males are given their own square huts, where they live until they are married.

Although polygamy is permitted among the Zulgo-Gemzek, most men usually have only one wife. Marriages are almost always arranged by the parents; children do not choose their mates. Once the two families make an agreement, his family pays a bride price to the bride's parents. The young couple starts a new homestead.

Zulgo-Gemzek culture contains various arts, such as vocal and instrumental music. Some tribes, such as the Fali, are highly skilled musicians and singers. Their main musical instruments include whistles, flutes, horns, harps and drums. These instruments are played 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. They pay the medicine man with modest gifts.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Zulgo-Gemzek 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 Zulgo-Gemzek do not pray to this god, but rather to their ancestors, who they believe will intercede on their behalf.

The Zulgo-Gemzek 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.

What Are Their Needs?

They also have a core group of Christ followers who can evangelize and disciple others.

Although the Zulgo-Gemzek have shown some interest in Christian teachings, very few have accepted Jesus as their Savior. Most have never heard a clear presentation of the gospel.

Prayer Points

Pray for Zulgo-Gemzek family leaders to have the spiritual hunger it takes to open their families to Jesus Christ.
Ask the Lord to send devoted laborers to share Christ with the Zulgo-Gemzek.
Pray that the Lord will increase their hunger for the Word of God and open their eyes to the truth.
Pray that strong local churches will be planted among each Kirdi tribe.

Text Source:   Joshua Project