2,030 Abibisika (Black Gold) Points

Rank: Unranked Obibini

” The stories about major cities that preceded the Empire of Ghana mention towns south-east of Kumbi. Among these cities, we can mention: Umy, Nema and Dia. The city of Umy (104 -323 AD) was a very important city located north of the lake area. This city would have existed on the right bank of the Niger River, opposite the current city of Dire, it’s location corresponds to the eastern periphery of the village of Sinen. The city of Umy, which was created in 104 AD, which is fifty years before that of Nema, would have existed five hundred years before the creation of the Ghana Empire.

The city has grown through the emigration of black peoples who have come in successive waves. At first, there was the arrival of the Kante, Fofana and Diarra tribes around 177 AD. They worshipped a fetish called “Ka.” A second wave of emigrants, larger than the first, arrived from the Diaka area and settled in Umy a hundred years later. These are the Camara and Keita tribes. The conflict between these new migrants and the first for leadership led to the expulsion of the Kante, Fofana and Diarra to the west, on the outskirts of the Serpent Valley and also in Hodh.

They were called in their place of reception by the name “Umyka”, i.e. “those who came from Umy and who worship the fetish called “Ka.” The city of Umy owes its attraction to several factors. This natural fortress surrounded by water was difficult to attack from the north or west, which was the place where the enemies were positioned. Climatic and hydrographic conditions provided a healthy environment and allowed agriculture, livestock and fishing. The forest was exploited on the left bank of the river to serve as a construction site and also as a material for crafts.

Another asset was the abundance of gold in the area and its ease of extraction and sale under more secure conditions. The city was ruled by a chief who did not have a regular army to defend the city. The first leaders were Fulani who were supplanted by Soninke leaders. The City Council consisted of seven people from the tribe of the acting chief. The houses, rectangular and square in shape, were made of banco and dry stone. Sculpture for religious purposes was developed there. The craftsmen used wood, beef horns and terracotta as raw materials.

Merchants from the north came directly to the riverbank opposite the city to buy gold and other food and handcrafts from the city, but also from the surrounding areas, which were difficult to access. Population growth led management of natural to conflicts over the resources. The security degradation and especially the drying up of the gold mines, following pressure from the operators, are at the reason of dispersion of the inhabitants.

The first groups left the city to head west and found themselves in Wagadu, Bakhunu and Bafulabe countries. The last groups later migrated southwards to the Diaka, which attracted people through the town of Dia. Those who moved eastward populated the villages to the south of the present day city of Timbuctu, which did not yet exist.