Africa is such a vast continent that offers rich and diverse culture, including many human resources. Africa is not just unique as a people, the continent is rooted in amazing practices, you can barely find elsewhere. 

There are many popular cultural practices from Africa, yet there are still many other cultural practices you never knew existed in Africa. These cultural practices might seem weird or new, but they are as beautiful as the people and getting to know them will give an even better perspective on how diverse the African continent is. Here are 10 fascinating African cultures you never knew existed: 

1. The Spitting culture of the Massai Tribe

Do you know that the Massai Tribe in Kenya have a spitting culture as a form of blessing? The Massai tribe found in Kenya and in the Northern part of Tanzania uphold the spitting culture, which they believe is a sign of blessing and respect. Unlike spitting for negative reasons, the Massai people spit at each other to say hello and bid farewell to their friends and loved ones. In this type, you can randomly see people spitting to make a bargain or to wish someone well. They spit on their palms before they shake hands. They also spit on newborn babies as a sign of blessing and at the traditional wedding, the bride’s father spits on her forehead to bless the married couple. 

Surprising right? 

2. The Whistling Language of the Berbers

Did you know the Berbers of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco communicate using a whistling language? Known as “Tashlheit,” this fascinating form of communication allows them to send messages over long distances, especially across valleys and mountains. It’s commonly used by shepherds and farmers to convey information without the need for shouting. The whistles are sharp and clear, making it easy to understand from far away, and it has been passed down through generations.

This ancient whistling tradition is one of the lesser-known but remarkable customs in Africa.

3.  Lip Plates in the Mursi Tribe

Among the Mursi tribe of Ethiopia, women wear large lip plates as a sign of beauty and status. This unique tradition begins in adolescence when the lower lip is pierced, and over time, the size of the plate increases. The larger the plate, the greater the woman’s beauty and the wealth of her family, according to the Mursi. While it may seem unusual to outsiders, for the Mursi people, it is a source of pride and cultural identity.

This striking tradition is one of the fascinating cultural practices in Africa that you might not have heard of.

4. The Red Ochre of the Himba Women

In Namibia, the Himba women are known for their stunning red-tinted skin and hair, achieved by applying a paste made from red ochre and butterfat. This tradition, called “Otjize,” is both cosmetic and protective, shielding their skin from the harsh desert sun. The red hue symbolizes earth, blood, and life, holding deep spiritual meaning. Himba women also use it as a sign of beauty and pride in their culture.

This distinctive tradition is one of Africa’s most visually captivating and spiritually significant customs.

5. The Bull Jumping Ritual of the Hamar Tribe

In Ethiopia’s Hamar tribe, young men must undergo the daring “Ukuli Bula” or bull-jumping ceremony to prove their manhood. To complete the rite of passage, a young man must leap across the backs of a row of bulls while completely naked. Success in the ritual signifies that he is ready for adulthood and marriage, while the entire community celebrates with music, dance, and festivity. It’s a tradition that tests courage and strength while affirming one’s place in society.

This thrilling ritual is one of Africa’s most dramatic and respected customs.

6. The Reed Dance of the Zulu People

In South Africa, the Zulu people celebrate the annual Reed Dance, known as “Umkhosi Womhlanga.” During this vibrant festival, thousands of young women gather to dance before the Zulu king, each carrying a reed as a symbol of purity. The festival not only celebrates womanhood but also promotes cultural unity and pride. It is a colorful display of dance, song, and tradition, with the Zulu king playing a central role in the event.

This joyous celebration is one of the most colorful and culturally significant traditions in Africa.

7. Wife Stealing culture amongst the Wodaabe People

The next fascinating African culture you never knew existed is the peculiar culture of Wife stealing amongst the Wodaabe People, a fulani tribe in Chad republic. The festival is called the Guerewol festival. It takes place during the night dance, where men go about with the aim of stealing other men’s wives. Men are allowed to steal other people’s wives, not minding how long the marriage has been for. Once the man chooses the bride as his own and the woman accepts the offer, the woman becomes his legitimate wife. However, if the husband of the woman catches the wife stealer before he steals his wife, the new marriage will be nullified. 

Crazy right? But the Wodaabe People still practice this and it works for them? Will you gladly practice this culture? 

8. The Festival of the Dead in Malawi, by the Chewa Tribe

The Chewa people in Malawi have a culture specifically for the cleansing of the deceased. Here, when a person dies, a secret cult called Nyau and Masks take the dead body to the woods, slit its throat, then force water into the body to cleanse it of all impurities. The cleansing involves thorough squeezing of the stomach, until the clean water gushes out of the body. 

Yet another surprising culture!

9. Sons Raised by Uncles in the Songo Tribe

In the Songo tribe, found in parts of Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo, an intriguing tradition exists where sons are raised by their uncles, not their fathers. This custom stems from the belief that a boy’s maternal uncle is better suited to teach and guide him through life. The uncle, seen as more impartial and objective, takes charge of the boy’s upbringing, ensuring he learns essential skills, values, and cultural norms. Fathers, while still present in their children’s lives, play a less direct role, as the tribe believes this helps prevent favoritism and ensures a fair upbringing.

This unique practice showcases the deep bonds of kinship in African culture, where family responsibilities extend beyond the immediate household.

10. Aunt Tests the Groom’s Libido in the Banyankole Tribe

Among the Banyankole tribe of Uganda, a rather unusual marital custom is practiced: the bride’s aunt plays a pivotal role in testing the groom’s sexual potency. Before a marriage is consummated, it is the aunt’s responsibility to ensure the groom is virile and capable of satisfying her niece. The aunt might do this by either observing the groom with the bride or testing him herself, depending on the family’s interpretation of the tradition. This practice, though rare today, was historically seen as a way to ensure the marriage would be fruitful and the groom suitable for his bride.

This tradition is quite bold, though surprising, it represents the family’s concern for their daughter’s satisfaction. Don’t you think so? 

Conclusion

Africa is a continent rich with diverse and unique cultural practices that continue to shape the lives of its people. These fascinating customs offer a glimpse into the complex and varied cultural heritage that makes Africa so intriguing and vibrant, reminding us of the importance of tradition in shaping identity and social bonds. Which one do you find the most fascinating? Did we miss any unique culture? Let us know in the comment section.