Fulani Herdsmen

Fulani herders complete the cattle crossing at Diafarabe, Mali, to move from rainy to dry season grazing areas. There is probably no parallel. They have no pickups or trucks, no horses, no herding dogs, and no fences or corrals. There are the herders, their cattle and some pirogues to get the calves across. The herder can instruct the herd. Each herder brings in his herd, places it close to another, groups it tightly into a circle, and then leaves it to help organize the river crossing. Never mixing, the herds stand in their groups. It takes several hours for all herds to cross. The cattle crossing is also a time of celebration by Fulani families and villages.

The herds start coming in by about 9:30 AM.

The herds keep arriving.

An elder is looking for the incoming family herd.

All herds are gathered by 11:00 AM.

The calves are handled separately.

The lady is loading calves onto the pirogue.

The boy is waiting for help to cross the river.

The cattle are calm and ready.

He has been chosen to contribute to the evening celebration.

A herder always swims with his cattle.

Boys frequently swim with the cattle.

It is crowded coming out of the river!

The boys always help.

Boys are usually responsible for the calves.

There are many pirogues to move the calves across..

Each herder crowds his cattle tightly together so that they do not mix with other herds..

All are calm.

Herders are planning the crossing.

The crossing continues like this for several hours.

A boy is waiting, his arm around the bull's shoulder, to exit the river.

Perhaps its been a satisfying day.