The Sérères and the Niominkas
The Serer come from an ethnic group of surveyors, pyramid builders and sailors on the Nile.
Under the protection of Ra, they came and settled in the Sahel under the Ougadou empires of Ghana and Aoudaghost, before settling in the valley of the Senegal River, where they lived alongside the Fulbe and the Soninke.
In the 9th century, they refused to submit to the Almoravid Berbers, who were propagating Islam, and settled in the interior of Senegal, in the natural regions of Baol (Fa-ool), Sine (A Sing) and Saloum (A Mbèye). These areas, governed under the Lamanat system, were inherited from father to son, and gave birth to the Serer kingdoms of Baol, Sine and Saloum. Mandinka aristocrats from Gabou mixed with the Kassinka (Serers) and founded the Guelwar dynasty.
The Niominka
Part of the Guelwar dynasty remained in the Saloum islands and the coast and gave birth to the Serer Niominka ethnic group. This aristocratic society is egalitarian and has no castes, which explains their sometimes fierce independence.
The cultural mixing of the Niominka makes them a blend of farmer, herder and fisherman. They fish, grow crops (rice, millet and peanuts) and raise stock (cattle and small ruminants).
The island faces the promontory of Sangomar.
It is one of the most picturesque and beautiful places in the region.
No car noise here.
A little faraway corner, accessible only to those visitors who take their time to get here.
As in all somewhat remote areas, you soon submit to the gentle passage of time.
Visits by dugout enable you to discover the exuberant animal and plant life, and the unlikely Niominka villages stranded beside a remote bolong.
Why not try fishing with some of the villagers, or in early winter visit some of the rice fields of Saloum? ?
