The Fulani men of Nigeria who get beaten to acquire a wife

The Fulani men of Nigeria are known for following a unique tradition to win their wives. The tradition is called Sharo and is meant to test men while also allowing them to compete for the best possible match.

The participants are beaten with wooden sticks and canes as a way of testing their endurance. In recent times though, this tradition has seen a decline since many believe it to be forbidden by Islam and dangerous as well.

Having said that, there are Fulani clans in and around Jigawa in Northern Nigeria, which are determined to make sure the tradition continues for generations.

It is interesting to note that these traditions continue to this day despite the many changes that the world and Africa itself have experienced. The tradition is seen as way of determining whether an individual is ready to be married and take on the responsibilities that come with it.

Contrary to conventional societal norms, which allow men to approach a potential partner directly, the Fulani tribe takes a very different approach to the idea of courtship and marriage.

Sharo is a unique ceremony in which the potential groom is beaten by senior members of the tribe. Through the process, depending on how well he is able to handle the beating, the groom earns the right to marry his bride and earns the respect of the tribal elders as well.

If the ritual begins and the groom is unable to take the punishment, the wedding is called off. It has to be said though that the tradition is not compulsory for marriage as many men have died while participating in it.

This change has been made through the intervention of religious ideology which stands against the practice. The rising level of awareness and exposure to modernized societies has also change the perception of this practice among the Fulani.

As a result, in today’s times, only those male members of the Fulani tribe who wish to test themselves and are highly dedicated to the old ways of the tribe, decide to go through this ritual. For the average male seeking to be married, the tradition and all the pain that comes with it can be avoided.