“those who resist” in Mandinka[2]) are an ethnic group found in Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Senegal, Cape Verde and The Gambia.

Archaeologists believe that the people who became the Balanta migrated to present-day Guinea-Bissau in small groups between the 10th and 14th centuries CE.

[2] During the 19th century, they spread throughout the area that is now Guinea-Bissau and southern Senegal in order to resist the expansion of the Kaabu kingdom.

[2] Today, the Balanta are found in the modern-day countries of Senegal, Cape Verde and Gambia but mostly reside in the southern and central regions of Guinea-Bissau.

Dr. Franz Stuhlmann also theorized that the Balanta descended from a Bantu people who inhabited the Nile and separated during the Pleistocene period.

It wasn't until recently that genetic testing and haplogroup assigning revealed that the Sudan origin theory had merit.

Scientists currently believe that these findings support a Sudanese origin for the Balanta people through the migration of a Kushitic group to western Africa about 2,000 years ago.

In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Portugal mounted pacification campaigns against the resistant Balanta and subjected them to appointed Fulbe chiefs.

Because of the Portuguese repression, the Balanta enlisted as soldiers in great numbers and were principal supporters of the PAIGC in the nationalist struggle for liberation during the 1960s and 1970s.

Many Balanta resented their exclusion from the government; their prominence in the military spurred a series of Balanta-led coup attempts in the 1980s.

In the Balanta society, God is believed to be far away, and communication with the Almighty is established through their spiritual practices and traditions.

As symbols of family and spiritual connection, the masks play an important role when the community comes together to celebrate with music and dance.

Use of the kebinde is an art that has been perfected over many years by the Balanta people who deservedly hold a reputation as expert farmers.

Along with intricate irrigation systems that mix salt and fresh water, they manage to maintain the nutrients in the soil and achieve excellent yields.

[7][9] After the young Balanta man has become a landowner and taken on family responsibilities, he can then be chosen by his maternal uncle to participate in the Fanado initiation.

The Fanado is a two-month process in the “sacred woods” which is the ultimate phase of initiation rites and social hierarchy.

[7][9] The first day of the Fanado ceremony is a general festival for the entire village during which people eat, drink and dance.

What is imparted to the initiates during the Fanado not only concerns their entire culture, but also how to behave with others, how to manage the family, and how to live as adults and men therefore wise.

The initiate then wears a bright red hat to show that he has become Lante Ndang (brave and wise), and the following day he will be allowed to serve on the council of elders who manages village life.

The ex-president of Guinea-Bissau Kumba Yalla is a member of the Balanta people and was often seen wearing a red hat as a sign that he had completed the Fanado initiation.