Temne-Banta in Sierra Leone

The Temne-Banta have only been reported in Sierra Leone
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

Centuries ago, the Temne-Banta people crossed the Guinea border and settled in the Buya-Romende chiefdom of Sierra Leone. No one is certain why they left Guinea. Many believe it was because of the historic Mali invasion of that area. Others believe there may have been tribal wars that forced the exodus. Still others conclude that trade caused the energetic Temne-Banta to push their tribe eastward. Whatever the reason, the Temne-Banta established themselves in the northern province of Sierra Leone, bringing with them their traditional African beliefs as well as their Islamic faith.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Today, the Temne-Banta people live in the rural bush area of the West African nation of Sierra Leone in well over 100 villages.

Several chiefs govern various the Temne-Banta groups, but there is only one paramount chief, and he rules them all. Many Temne-Banta people were living in displacement camps around the Port Loko area when there was fighting in their region.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Though there is a small Christian community among the Temne-Banta, most are marginally Muslim. They believe in the basic tenets of Islam, but their daily lives are much more closely related to the worship of traditional spirits.


What Are Their Needs?

The Temne-Banta people need peace in their land so they can grow crops and trade with their neighbors without the fear of violence. They need medical facilities and schools.


Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to provide for the needs of the Temne-Banta people as a testimony of his power and goodness.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out African disciplers who can disciple many to disciple others.
Pray for a spiritual hunger among the Temne-Banta that will lead them to loving devotion to Jesus Christ.


Scripture Prayers for the Temne-Banta in Sierra Leone.


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Temne-Banta
People Name in Country Temne-Banta
Alternate Names Banta Mende; Banta Temne; Banta Themne; Buya-Romende Buya-Romende
Population this Country 78,000
Population all Countries 78,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 2
People ID 10660
ROP3 Code 101012
ROP25 Code 300854
ROP25 Name Banta
Country Sierra Leone
Region Africa, West and Central
Continent Africa
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Northern province: Port Loko, Tonkolili, and Bombali districts; west of Sewa river to Little Scarcie; Southern province: northwest Moyamba district; Western Area: Rural district.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Sierra Leone
Region Africa, West and Central
Continent Africa
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Northern province: Port Loko, Tonkolili, and Bombali districts; west of Sewa river to Little Scarcie; Southern province: northwest Moyamba district; Western Area: Rural district..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Map of Temne-Banta in Sierra Leone Ethnolinguistic map or other map

Primary Religion: Islam
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
4.00 %
Ethnic Religions
35.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
61.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Themne (78,000 speakers)
Language Code tem   Ethnologue Listing
Primary Dialect Banta
Dialect Code 17440   Global Recordings Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Themne (78,000 speakers)
Language Code tem   Ethnologue Listing
Primary Dialect Banta
Dialect Code 17440   Global Recordings Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Themne
Photo Source Copyrighted © 2024  Kerry Olson  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
Map Source People Group location: IMB. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



Joshua Project logo    Joshua Project    Copyright © 2024