Mossi people

The Mossi (also called Mosi, proper name in the singular Moaaga and mosses in the plural) are the most populous ethnic group within the West African country of Burkina Faso. They inhabit the center of the country around the capital Ouagadougou and the city Ouahigouya and settle to some extent in Northern Ghana. Their language is the Mòoré. Around five million people is one of those African ethnic group.

The settlement area includes the savannas of the Volta Basin between the Sahel in the north and the humid savannas in the south. The of them populated central plateau, a highland in the center of Burkina Faso, is often also called Mossiplateau.

History

Originally submitted the Mossi from the north of Ghana, from where they moved about in the 15th century on their horses to the north, the peasant peoples living there either sold ( Dogon ) or assimilated with them ( Nyonyonsé ). The descendants of the conquerors called themselves Nakomsé and provided the ruling class. The first empire that founded the invading from the south Mossi, was Tenkodogo. According to legend, it was Ouedraogo, the descendant of Princess Yennenga and the Hunter RIALE, in the village founded by them, the kingdom Tenkodogo created. Ouédraogos descendant Oubri moved further west, conquered Kombemtinga, the center of Nyonyonsé and called it into Wogodogo, later Ouagadougou. He proclaimed himself Moogho Naaba the empire Ouagadougou and founded the dynasty of Oubritenga. To the north was the kingdom Yatenga.

System of government

Ruler of Ouagadougou is still the Moogho Naaba who has no more power, but is still regarded as the spiritual and moral leader of the Mossi. Under him is a strictly hierarchically organized court, immediately below him the five advisory ministers, each associated with a responsibility. This nanamse (plural of Naaba ) had their seat each in one of the surrounding villages, which are center of the modern city of Ouagadougou today. The Ouidi Naaba from Ouidi is the first adviser to the Moogho Naaba and is responsible for matters relating to succession, also head of the cavalry. Chief of the armed forces is the Larlé Naaba from Larlé, which is the guardian of the tombs at the same time. For the defense of Goung Naaba from Gounghin is responsible, it is subject to the infantry, including archers. In Bilbalogho the Baloum Naaba has his seat, he is the mediator between the Moogho Naaba and the lower-ranking chiefs and responsible for the finances of the empire. Guardian of the harem is the Kamsaogh Naaba from Kamsaoghin who is not allowed to participate in the elections to Moogho Naaba a eunuch must be and. Since there is no direct succession, choose the five ministers after the death of Moogho Naaba of his sons a successor, who accepts with the enthronement of a new first name. The Palace of the Moogho Naaba is located in the west of Ouagadougou.

Culture

Mossifamilien traditionally live in small huts arranged in a circle of about 3-4 meters in diameter, which are connected by a wall. The building material used is clay. Each of up to four wives lived with their children own hut. Will the children get older, they get up to their marriage own hut. Rectangular buildings inside the courtyard are occupied in part by the head of the family.

The villages of the Mossi are governed by a village chief ( Nabba ), a teng Naaba ( " Erdchef " ) is responsible among other things for the holding of ceremonies and offerings. Griots give the history of a village orally to subsequent generations.

The spread of Islam from the north of the Mossi were able to resist until today the majority depends on traditional beliefs. Your God call them turning. Good relations with the ancestors are the Mossi important, it expresses itself in various rituals.

Important are the production and use of wooden masks.

Known Mossi

• Blaise Compaoré, Jean -Baptiste Ouedraogo, Maurice Yaméogo, Idrissa Ouedraogo, Thomas Sankara, Joseph Ouedraogo, Gérard Kango Ouedraogo