Ethnic groups · pre-1822 and continuing
Belle people
A small, densely forested enclave between Loma, Gola and Kpelle country.
Biography
The Belle, who call themselves Kuwaa, occupy an isolated pocket of high forest in the Lofa interior. Their language is Mande but distinct enough to suggest long separation; their small numbers and difficult country kept them outside the main trade roads, which is precisely why their institutions preserve older forms. Belle towns were tied to their neighbours by marriage and by Poro obligation rather than tribute.
Historical significance
One of the sixteen principal peoples mapped in the atlas; Mande (southwestern) in language, with an economy built on forest farming and hunting.
Timeline
- pre-1822Belle towns in the forest between Gola and Loma country
On the map
Associated with Kuwaa forest towns. Open the historical atlas.
Related entries
References
- Linguistic classification; oral tradition
Suggested reading
- Dunn, Beyan & Burrowes (2000). Historical Dictionary of Liberia.