Yennega

Yennega, an emblematic figure in Burkina Faso, was the mother of Ouedraogo, the founder of the dynasties of the Moose chieftains. She is thought to have lived between the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. A legendary figure in West Africa, Yennega is the epitome of the female warrior, a free and independently minded woman.

Quiz time!

What are the main historical sources of Yennega’s story?

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Moogo is a political territory in the heart of present-day Burkina Faso. When it was conquered by the French and became a colony at the end of the nineteenth century, it consisted of about twenty independent political units, controlled by the Moose aristocracy, and included the two large Kingdoms of Ouagadougou (Waogdogo) and Yatenga (Izard, 2003).

What was the Moose political territory called?

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Moogo is a political territory in the heart of present-day Burkina Faso. When it was conquered by the French and became a colony at the end of the nineteenth century, it consisted of about twenty independent political units, controlled by the Moose aristocracy, and included the two large Kingdoms of Ouagadougou (Waogdogo) and Yatenga (Izard, 2003).

According to the dominant Moaga oral tradition, which region did Yennega come from?

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This region is located in what is now the Republic of Ghana.

What is the supreme ruler of the Moose called?

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The Mogho Naba resides in his palace in Ouagadougou. Nowadays, he is a traditional symbol of power in the Republic of Burkina Faso.

What did Ouedraogo and, previously, his grandfather rely on to establish their supremacy?

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Cavalry was widely used by the Moose, especially during wars of conquest.

At which African festival is the Yennega Gold Stallion awarded?

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The Yennega Gold Stallion is awarded at the Ouagadougou Pan-African Film Festival (FESPACO) to the maker of the best film presented in the Official Selection.

What is the meaning of ‘Ouedraogo’, the name that Yennega and Riale gave to their son?

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This name, Wedraogo, a name formed from the Moore root wed (horse) and raogo (male) was given to the son of Yennega and Riale in honour of the horse that brought Yennega and Riale together.

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What are the main historical sources of Yennega’s story? Oral traditions
According to the dominant Moaga oral tradition, which region did Yennega come from? The Gambaga region
What is the meaning of ‘Ouedraogo’, the name that Yennega and Riale gave to their son? Male horse
What was the Moose political territory called? Moogo
What did Ouedraogo and, previously, his grandfather rely on to establish their supremacy? Cavalry
What is the supreme ruler of the Moose called? The Mogho Naba
At which African festival is the Yennega Gold Stallion awarded? The Ouagadougou Pan-African Film Festival