Yennenga was an admirable African princess who lived roughly 900 years ago. She joined her father in battle at the young age of 14. Her combat specialties included javelins, spears, and bows; she was also efficient on horseback and lead her own battalion. When she became of marrying age, her father forbid her to do so, instead casting her into the role of warrior chief. Yennenga was angered at her father for making this decision for her, so she dressed as a man and fled, taking back her life for herself.
She is particularly revered in what is today known as Burkina Faso; here it is believed that she and her sons founded the Moose chieftains, who still hold much of the country's political power.
Yennenga has become a cultural icon in African cultures. There are statues, roads, comic strips and a film named in her honor. Even Burkina Faso's national football team gives praise to her legend ("The Stallions" after her famous horse). Her tale has inspired many African people as she is seen as a symbol for strong women, in both body and mind.
Yennenga has a unique story in that she was given the opportunity to be a great warrior, but she desired a different life for herself. Instead of just accepting what her father told her, she took matters into her own hands and made her own path. While she was an incredible fighter, what really makes her a warrior woman is her sense of self-worth who didn't let anyone control her or stop her from doing what she wanted. By not following her pre-set path, she founded a country that hold women on a different standard than many other places. Because of her, the women of Burkina Faso have someone to look up to and thank for providing them with a better outlook in their society.
Works Cited:
“Princess Yennega From Mossi Ethnic Group of Burkina Faso.” Africani Sankofa, 25 Apr. 2017, rediscoveringafricaheritage.wordpress.com/2017/04/22/princess-yennega-from-mossi-ethnic-group-of-burkina-faso/comment-page-1/.
“Women in African History.” UNESCO, en.unesco.org/womeninafrica/yennega/biography.
Oya is an orisha from Santeria. The term orisha comes from southern Nigeria and means any of the various minor gods. She lives in the marketplace where she (1) steers the changing fortunes made through business. She is the gatekeeper of the cemetery and leads the spirits of the dead to the threshold. (2) Oya has an extreme love for nature and is the goddess of the Niger River. She's able to summon the dead or wish it away. In fact, she uses the dead to keep her lover Chango in his place since he has a fear of them. Unfortunately, Oya is no stranger to heartbreak and grief. (1) She is also known as the "mother of nine" because she gave birth to nine stillborn babies. To honor and remember her lost children she wears nine different colored scarves around her waist. Oya did however take in unwanted twins who she then raised as her own. (3) Oya is both loved and feared. When released she is the "Savage Warrior" and the "Protective Mother." If treated poorly or spoken down upon she goes from a loving and kind mother to a warrior of destruction. The machete is her most prized possession and weapon. She is known to use a tornado in battle and stands tall next to Chango in battle.
I do believe she represents her culter well. Santeria women are known to be intelligent and powerful. I absolutely fell in love with learning about her. A woman that has ties to the dead and drives fear into those who have betrayed her is a woman who deserves some more recognition. She uses the forces of nature to aide her in battle and relies on no one. Oya is an excellent representation of women in that they can be loving and caring, but can rain down on you with her wrath. She is not one to be fucked with. I would actually really enjoy watching a movie about her. She is a powerful and intelligent being all by herself and she is not afraid to hold back.
