In A Treasury of Afro-American Folklore by Harold Courlander, the account of George W. Cable is given in which he list distinctions (as he sees them) between Africans. In his description of the Africans that he has encountered, Cable is detailed in what he believes are the characteristics (physical and mental) associated with Africans from different regions. Some of Cable’s descriptions are as follow:

• Senegalese- Cape Verde- black, intelligent, knowledgeable, kindly eyes, long, straight, shapely nose
• Mandingo- Gambia River- light color, cruder form, cunning that shows in countenance, merchants of Africa, skilled in commerce and husbandry.
• Foulah- good stature, rose tint in cheeks
• Sosos- famous warriors, dexterous
• Negroes- Gold Coast, Slave Coast and cape of Palms- small ears, thick eyebrows, bright eyes, upturned nose, shinning skin (Courlander 1975).