The Musgum are a Chadic speaking people that inhabit the major river systems south of lake Chad, on the southern periphery of the old Sultanate of Bagirmi. According to one tradition, they originated on the banks of the Logone as a result of a marriage between a Kotoko prince and a Massa woman. They are traditionally fishermen, farmers, livestock herders and horse breeders.
The Musgum are most famous for their traditional adobe architecture, locally known as “tolek”, or “tolekakay” (pl.). They are also known as ”cases obus”, from French (“shell houses”), on account of their shape, similar to artillery shells.
Fashioned in a similar manner as pottery, layer by layer, with thicker walls at the base becoming thinner towards the top, tolekakay are built in the shape of a catenary arch, taking the form of an inverted arc of a suspended chain. An ideal shape, as it evenly spreads the entire load of the building with minimum use of material, allowing for surprisingly thin, yet structurally sound walls. They are often decorated with an inverted V-shape pattern, which are used as scaffolding during construction and replastering, and aide in channeling rainwater. A hole at the top of these structures, which is closed with a pot or tightly woven basket during rains, allows smoke to escape, provides some light and facilitates airflow, keeping the interiors cool. They often feature a keyhole shaped doorway. Tolekakay are usually grouped in a circular compound consisting of up to fifteen individual structures connected by walls or flat roofed hallways.
While almost disappearing during the colonial era, they have started making a very modest come-back, partly on account of their popularity with tourists.
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