Student Blog

Have you ever heard of the country called Burkina Faso? Probably not many have. I was lucky to learn about it through Emmanuel, a student from Burkina Faso who happens to live in the same dormitory as me. According to him, he might be the only student from his country at the university, and he eagerly shared with me what makes his homeland unique.

Burkina Faso is located in West Africa and borders six countries, including Ghana, which is famous for chocolate. The majority of the population are farmers, and the country is home to over 60 ethnic groups. A traditional outfit called “Faso Dan Fani,” made from handwoven cotton fabric, is notable for its beautiful striped patterns. Each ethnic group has its own style, and you can often tell someone’s background by the design they wear.

One particularly unique ethnic group is the Kassena people from the Tiebele region. Their homes, made of earth, are decorated with various geometric patterns on the walls. What’s interesting is that this intricate decoration work is traditionally the role of women.

When I asked why, Emmanuel explained, “Women are seen as the guardians of the home, and beautifying the house is a task only they can do.” He added, “It shows how important women are in our culture.” These decorating techniques are passed down from mother to daughter, preserving the tradition across generations.

While Emmanuel actively shares his country’s culture, he is also learning from Japanese culture to find solutions to some of Burkina Faso’s challenges. It is a beautiful example of two very different cultures influencing each other positively. I’m glad I had this chance to experience and appreciate another culture, even just a little.