Kuranko people
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
 Sierra Leone |
200,000 |
 Guinea |
365,000 |
| Languages | |
| Kuranko, Sierra Leone English, Krio | |
| Religion | |
| African indigenous religion 50%, Islam 45% , Christianity 5% | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Mandinka people | |
The Kuranko, also known as the Koranko, are an ethnic group living in Sierra Leone and Guinea. The Koranko occupy a large section in mountainous region within northeastern Sierra Leone and southern Guinea. Within this geographical region, different dialects, as well as distinct social groupings can be found. In general, the Koranko are a peaceful people who have maintained a separate ethnic identity, despite years of tribal mixings. Each Kuranko village is led by a chief and a group of elders.
The Koranko speak the Kuranko language (or Koranko), a dialect of the Mande branch of the Niger–Congo language family. The Kuranko are nominally Muslim and speak a language similar to the Mandinka language. Their language can be understood by their neighbour and close allies the Mandinka and the Susu people.
The Kuranko occupy a mountainous region within the northeastern Sierra Leone highlands, extending into Guinea. This region lacks adequate road systems and is not easily accessible, leaving the Kuranko socially isolated. This may explain why most Kuranko have held on to their traditional culture and religion.
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Economy
The Kuranko are primarily farmers. Rice is the main crop cultivated, and the money made from it barely covers the expenses of the family. Supplementary crops include corn, cotton, potato, pumpkin, and indigo. Each household also owns fruit trees around the village, which produce bananas, papaya, coconuts, and other fruits.
Groundnuts are eaten by the Kuranko, but the highest source of protein comes from fish and meat. Fishing is usually done by the women, who use skilled and innovative methods for securing their catch. Hens and chickens are kept by every family, and are usually used for gifts.
Culture and Customs
To the Kuranko, a child is not considered to be a complete person and is considered impure. Childhood for a boy or girl lasts until puberty. At this time, a ritual purification ceremony, called a biriye, ushers them into adulthood.
An adult is expected to show honor and respect for the customs of the Kuranko past. This may be demonstrated by joining various cult associations. The Gbansogoron ("cheek piercers") use self-inflicted pain as a way of showing bravery. The Segere is a women's cult that supports the rights of women.
Today, schooling has become a symbolic replacement for the cult system and initiation rituals. As literacy and educational opportunities increase, perhaps the power of the cult societies will decrease.
Religious and Traditional beliefs
Less than one-third of the Kuranko in Sierra Leone are Muslim. The majority of the remaining Kuranko follow their traditional ethnic religion.
The Kuranko sometimes think of the wild as opposite to village life, and they use animal metaphors to identify evildoers. Someone without faith is likened to a dog; one who steals is as a monkey; and a traitor is as a snake. The Kuranko believe that certain people can change into animals to harm others. Certain animals, such as the vulture, the bat, and the black cat symbolize witchcraft.
The Kuranko believe that in the forests, the rivers, and the mountains live quasi-human beings known as Nyenne. These are "bush spirits," who are believed to influence Kuranko life in different ways.
The Nyenne are rarely seen but are somewhat feared. They are thought to live in the bush near the villages, and are said to live as humans: in houses with their families. A Kuranko will make a sacrifice to one of these Nyenne when clearing land for his farm. It is believed that the Nyenne can make women barren, cause insanity, and cause farming accidents. The Kuranko also believe that they can be friendly, bringing good fortune.
Notable Kuranko people
- Mr. Daniel Koroma, who works for the Montgomery County Government, Maryland U.S.A and son of the Hon. D.F. Koroma, notable Kuranko historian and descendant of one of the three Koroma princes from Mali
- Dr. Kaifala Marah, current Sierra Leone minister of Finance
- Sheku Tejan Koroma, current Sierra Leone minister of Health
- Minkailu Mansaray, current Sierra Leone's minister of Labor and employment
- Sheka Mansaray, Sierra Leonean poet and writer
- Mohamed Rashid, Sierra Leonean football star
- Dr. Sam Kargbo, Assistant Director of Curriculum & Educational Studies, State University College of New York, USA
