Vai (ethnic group)

infobox ethnic group
group = Vai people


poptime = 162,000 [http://www.joshuaproject.net/peoples.php?rop3=110483]
popplace =
*139,000 in Liberia [http://www.joshuaproject.net/peoples.php?rop3=110483]
*22,000 in Sierra Leone [http://www.joshuaproject.net/peoples.php?rop3=110483]
langs = Vai language
rels = Islam [Mind and Social Practice: Selected Writings of Sylvia Scribner By Sylvia Scribner, Ethel Tobach, pg. 193]
related = The Vai are an ethnic group that live mostly in Liberia, small communities of Vai also live in south-eastern Sierra Leone. The Vai are known for their indigenous syllabic writing system, developed in the 1820s by Duala Bukele and other tribal elders. Over the course of the 19th century, literacy in the writing system became widespread. Its use declined over the 20th century, but modern computer technology may enable a revival. They speak the Vai language, which is a Niger-Congo language. In Sierra leonean Vai are predominantly found in Pujehun District where they make up 10% of the population. A large number of Vai in Sierra Leone can also be found in Kailahun District

Economy

Most Vai make their living by farming the fertile land. Rice is their staple crop and can be cultivated with other vegetables on upland plots of cleared land. In addition to rice, crops such as cotton, corn, pumpkins, bananas, ginger, coffee, and cocoa are raised. The Vai also gather various nuts and berries from the forests. The palm tree is an important commodity to the Vai. Nuts, butter, wine, fuel, soap, and baskets are among its many derivatives.

Culture and Education

In many aspects, the Vai are a unique African ethnicity. Many believe that the region inhabited by the Vai is the original home of the Poro, a male secret society known throughout West Africa. The Vai are also quite musical. They play many instruments and perform dances on special occasions. Their hair texture ranges from short and curly, to long and wavy, and their noses are not flat and broad like the noses of many other Africans.

The Vai have three types of schooling. The first and most important is the bush school, where the children learn traditional Vai socialization skills, important survival skills, and other traits of village life for four to five years. Second is the English school, some Vai children attend English schools to learn the English language. Finally, is the Quianic schools, were Vai children are taught the Arabic language under the guidance of the local Muslim religious leader.

Religion and spiritual belief

The Vai are predominantly Muslim, and have for centuries traditions rooted in studying the Quran. [Mind and Social Practice: Selected Writings of Sylvia Scribner By Sylvia Scribner, Ethel Tobach, pg. 193]

Most of the Vai are very superstitious and some practice witchcraft. They consider themselves to be surrounded by spirits that can change into living creatures or objects. These spirits are believed to have the power to do evil to individuals or to the whole tribe. The Vai perform ceremonies for the dead in which they leave articles of clothing and food near the graves of the deceased.

Notable Vai people

*Varney Sherman, Liberian politician
*Duala Bukele, inventor of the Vai script

ee also

* Vai language
* Vai syllabary

References