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The Mossi Kingdoms, sometimes mistakenly referred to as the Mossi Empire, were a trio of powerful states in modern-day Burkina Faso. Each state possessed similar customs and government, but were ruled independently of each other. At times, the kingdoms fought amongst themselves or united in the face of Muslim aggression from the north in Mali.
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Origins
The Mossi immigrated into Burkina Faso from northern Ghana around the turn of the 11th century. They displaced the original inhabitants known as the Yonyonse, and began forming complex states with strong militaries focused on the use of cavalry. The Mossi successfully defended their new home from Mandinka and Songhai Muslims and even captured territory in Mali at times. They followed and still follow traditional African faiths.
Tengkodogo
The first Mossi kingdom was Tengkodogo, also known as Tenkodogo The old motherland[1]. It was formed in 1120 in present-day Tenkodogo of Burkina Faso. The ruler of the kingdom was called the Naaba and his capital was also called Tengkodogo (from which the kingdom gets its name).
Yatenga
The second Mossi kingdom was Yatenga. It was formed in 1333 during the height of the aggressive Mali Empire to the north. Its ruler was called Yatenga Naaba or Rima and ruled from the capital city of Waiguya (founded by Naaba Yadega and meaning "Come and worship the king" (French)[2]) (modern-day Ouahigouya in Burkina Faso).
Wogodogo
The third and last of the great Mossi kingdoms was Wogodogo, founded by the son of Princess Yennenga Naaba Ouedraogo [3]. Wogodogo became the premier Mossi state in Burkina Faso forming in 1441. Its leader, the Moogo Naaba ruled from present-day Ouagadougou (named for the kingdom).
See also
- Rulers of the Mossi state of Tenkodogo
- Rulers of the Mossi state of Yatenga
- Rulers of the Mossi state of Wogodogo
Sources
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