FUR

people after whom the westernmost province of The Sudan, Darfur, is named. The Fur inhabit the mountainous area of Jebel Marra, the highest region of The Sudan. The languages spoken by Fur groups make up one of the six branches of the Nilo-Saharan family. They had powerful kingdoms in the 16th century, extending to the Nile. Arab incursions forced them northward into the mountains, where they successfully developed a form of terrace farming. Cotton and tobacco are the main cash crops. Also cultivated are cereals such as wheat and corn (maize), as well as peanuts (groundnuts), beans, hibiscus, tomatoes, potatoes, onions, garlic, and pumpkins. The temperate climate of the mountains permits the growing of apples and strawberries. At the end of the 16th century an Islamic sultanate was founded by Suliman Solong, and Arab dress and names have characterized the Fur since. Today they are entirely Muslim. Fur society is divided between wealthy landowners and serfs. Smiths, tanners, and other artisans constitute lower castes. Bridewealth is paid to the daughters' parents in cattle and cloth. Polygyny is practiced by the wealthy few, and divorce is very common.