6 Tribes of Equatorial Guinea
Any travel to Africa will reveal to you that this continent is extremely diverse. Each city, region, and country will be teaming with hundreds if not 1000s of different ethnic groups. Each of these groups can have vastly different language groups, religious beliefs and cultural practices. This makes learning about the people in Africa extremely interesting but also makes you realise how complex the cultural diversity of the continent is!
Equatorial Guinea, one of the smallest countries in Africa has 6 main tribes between Bioko island and the mainland (Rio Muni). They are represented by the 6 stars found on the Equatoguinean flag.
So, who are the 6 tribes?
The Fang
The Fang are by far the biggest ethnic group in the country making up approximately 85% of the population (although figures in Equatorial Guinea are difficult to accurately quantify). Around 40% of all Fang people actually exist in Gabon as well.
The Fang people are found on the mainland Rio Muni area. The current President and previous presidents as well as the current president of Gabon, are all part of the Fang group. They are known for ancestor worship, rich oral storytelling and wooden reliquary figures.
The Fang arguably played the most important role in the post-colonial independence era of the country.
The Bubi
The Bubi are the second largest ethnic group in the country and make up the majority of people on the island of Bioko especially around the capital Malabo. They are now mainly Roman Catholic but have a lot of local beliefs embedded in their style of worship.
They are famous for elegant dances involving drums and clapping. Historically Bubi people would also have face tattoos, however this practice has almost disappeared. Most Bubi people speak both Bubi and Spanish. In the past Bubi people had put up resistance again both the Spanish and the local Fang people’s expension.
The Ndowe (also known as Playeros – Beach people)
The Ndowe comprise a small minority in the country mainly along the coastal area of the Rio Muni hence their name as Playeros, sticking closer to the shore. Traditionally they are fisherman and traders and were some of the first people to come into contact with Europeans.
Traditionally they have animist beliefs with spirits relating to water, land and ancestors being important for rituals. They are also known for dances involving intricate footwork, and storytelling as well as music from drums, flutes and gourds.
Bisio (also known as Bujeba)
The Bisio are another smaller group in the country located on the mainland Rio Muni in close proximity to Fang areas. They are cultural and linguistically very similar to the Fang people.
They are famous for songs and dancers that have a rich storytelling history involving the exploits of their ancestors, historical battles and local legends. They are also known for producing herbal medicines to heal physical and spiritual ailments.
The Kombe
Kombe peoples are similar to the Ndowe inhabiting mainly the coastal region of Rio Muni. They are sometimes classed as a subgroup of the Ndowe. They were also traditionally seafarers and traders.
Their beliefs are similar to the Ndowe with a focus on ocean spirits. Their dancing often involves drums and instruments made from seashells.
The Anabonese
The Anabonese are one of the more distinct groups of Equatorial Guinea. They exist only on the island of Anabon which lies some 350km south of the island of Bioko. They speak a Portuguese-based creole called Fa d’Ambô.
The majority of the Anabonese people are descendants of freed African slaves and Portuguese settlers. Due to their isolation from the rest of the country they are culturally and linguistically different to other people in the country.
They mainly follow Roman Catholicism, but have some local festivals for local deities and traditions. Many of their cultural practices are a mix of local beliefs and Portuguese cultural influences.
The best way of course to learn more about each of these ethnic groups is to travel with us to Equatorial Guinea. Check out our
tours page
for our upcoming tours. If you’d like to join us, then send an email to
[email protected]
.