The Ancestors

The Temne, who speak a Niger-Congo language, trace their origins to the Fouta Djallon region of Guinea.Some Temne remain in Guinea, but the majority migrated southward into what is now northern Sierra Leone, probably as a result of Fulani invasion into the Fouta Djallon in the 15th century.
In Sierra Leone the Temne encountered Muslim traders, and as a result, many converted to Islam in the following centuries. Historically most Temne have been farmers, raising rice, cassava, and millet and growing peanuts, tobacco, and kola for sale. About one million people in Sierra Leone identify as Temne.

The Kpelle primarily inhabit northern and central Liberia. Representing roughly 20% of the population, they are the largest single ethnic group in Liberia. Kpelle also live in Sierra Leone and in Guinea, where they are sometimes called the Guerzé. Their total population is about 1 million. They speak a Mande language. Most Kpelle are rice farmers. They also grow cassava, peanuts, and a variety of vegetables. Particularly since the 1960s, however, large numbers of Kpelle have migrated to urban centers. Today around 15% of Kpelle live in cities such as Monrovia.