The Wolof (WAW-lawf) are renowned for their culture and language. Known as skilled fishermen, dancers, and wrestlers, they have a rich cultural heritage. They primarily cultivate peanuts or work as merchants. Church-planting efforts are underway among the Wolof in Senegal, but in Mauritania, where they are a minority group, there is no known effort to reach them with the gospel. The Wolof are Muslim with deep animistic roots, believing a verse from the Quran can serve as a curse or blessing. A marabout, or Muslim spiritual leader, holds significant authority in their community. The Wolof in Mauritania believe the word of their marabout,
not the Word of God, is final.