The Kulango from the northern part of the Ivory Coast were a prosperous group of people and over time proved to be very resilient. Historically they were ruled by a king and elders who directed community life, based around the agricultural calendar. They had a vigorous and prosperous economy supported mainly by Muslim traders. The traders would also come into the Kulango region with the intention of converting the locals to Islam. However, the Kulango resisted. The majority continued to practice their traditional ethnic religions. They believe in a supreme god who is not worshipped but is addressed in association with "mother earth." Unfortunately during the 17th century life for the Kulango became very grim. They suffered through a series of migrations from the Akan and Lobi people and hostile invasions from the Mandingo people who enslaved them and almost brought their culture to an end. This same African region was later infiltrated by French colonialist. Through it all the Kulango have survived and their art and culture is slowly resurfacing.