13 Interesting Facts About the People of Duma (Dumawa) Ethnic Group in Nigeria

May 4, 2023

The Duma is a very interesting and well know group, here you can learn so many new facts about the people, in many aspects of their life. For instance, you will get to learn about their location, population, food and so much more.

13 Interesting Facts About the People of Ethnic Duma (Dumawa) Group

Here are some of the interesting facts about the great people of the Duma ethnic group:

1. Location

The Aduma people are mainly in Gabon. Gabon is a country in Central Africa. They have a high concentration on the south bank of the Ogooué River in the vicinity of Lastoursville.

2. Livelihood

Due to their closeness to the water, their relationship with the Sebé River and Ogooué River. Their main source of livelihood as of now is fishing. Furthermore, at a time other than fishing, they were also involved in trade, that is the trade of slaves.

3. Trade is one of the Interesting Facts About the People of the Duma (Dumawa) Ethnic Group

Their slave trade was mostly between the Okandé. The Okandé are another ethnic group in the North-Eastern part of Gabon. In this exchange, they got some European products such as guns and clothes. Also, they were involved in the trade of rubber, ivory, and ebony.

4. Fact about the Ogooué River

The Ogooué River also knows as the Ogowe River or the Nazareth River. The river is the main source of water for the Gabon people. It is 1200 kilometres long. Also, it has an elevation of about 840m.

5. Population

Based on information from the last census in Gabon. The last census took place in 2013. However, there are approximately 23,000 Duma people in Gabon. Quite a high population they have.

6. Religion: Interesting Facts About the People of Duma (Dumawa) Ethnic Group

They have two main religions Christianity and their Ethnic religion. Although, in this case, Christianity seems to be topping, being the most followed religion among the people.

7. Language

Like many ethnic groups, the name of their language is the same as the name of their ethnic group. So, they speak the Duma language. Duma is a Bantu language spoken in Gabon(The dwelling place of the Duma people). Also, there are approximately 9800 speakers(This is based on information from 2000).

8. Canoe Facts

They make canoes and are generally seen as expert canoeists. Their canoes are made of Aucoumea wood. And, the canoes made were quite durable, they lasted for some time.

9. Use of Water is on the List of Interesting Facts About the People of Duma (Dumawa) Ethnic Group

As stated earlier, they live near the water. They make canoes and fish using them. However, they used water for other things such as cooking, bathing, washing clothes and so much more.

10. History

It is believed that they arrived East or southeast, they were once at the Sebé river, then migrated to the Ogowe River/Nazareth River. After which, to the Doumé rapids.

11. Fact about Name

In this case, they have two names, Duma and Adouma. However, it seems Duma is the more used of the two names. Other interesting facts about the Duma ethnic group.

12. Food: Interesting Facts About the People of Duma (Dumawa) Ethnic Group

Their main source of food is their fish. There are approximately 97 species of fish in the Ogooué River. They also farm the following crops: bananas, cassava, maize, and others. Also, they could trade with nearby groups for some foodstuffs.

13. Fact about Aucoumea wood

Firstly, its botanical name is Aucoumea Klaineana. Also, you can call it Gaboon, Angouma, or Okoumé. And, the tree grows about 30-40m tall, with a trunk diameter of 1-2.5m.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we hope this article has opened your eyes to some of the interesting facts about the Dama people. And, we hope it was interesting reading, we have more you could check out.

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