Yaboyabo

Yaboyabo (Serer, variations : Yaabo-Yabo, Yabo Yabo, YABO-YABO or Yabo-Yabo) is an ancient village^[1] in the rural community of Séssène (var : Sessene), in the Thiès Region of Senegal.^[2][3]

History and religious status

Main article: Serer creation myth

Linked to Serer mythology and religion and deemed one of the Serer holy sites, Yaboyabo is one of the oldest villages in Senegal.^[1] According to the Serer creation myth, Yaboyabo takes its name from the first human couple^[1] (YAAB and YOP,^[4] var : YAAB and YOB) created by the supreme being Roog (or Koox among the Cangin).^[4] The narrative went on to state that, the original twins (female and male respectively) were carried from the Empyrean Heaven by an ark.^[1] This is believed to be deposited in the sacred village of Yaboyabo.^[1] Although the ark of Yaabo-Yabo is an ancient relic^[5] under the guardianship of this Serer village, and ritually venerated by those who adhere to the tenets of Serer religion,^[5] it is highly unlikely to be the original "ark" and was probably an ancient replica. Many Serer homes have ancient artifacts, some of which are religious in nature (see Serer ancient history).^[5][6]

Population

The population is overrun by the Serer people, the original inhabitants. As of 2012, the population is estimated to be between 1715^[2] and 1953.^[7]

Geography

Some of the nearest localities include Tattaguine, Mbefel, Saokom, Sakone, Dom and Diarab.^[3][8] The closest major cities include Thies and Kaolack.^[8]

See also

• Senegal portal

• See also: Serer religion and Serer ancient history