# Pangool

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Ancient saints and ancestral spirits of the Serer people

Part of a series on Serers and Serer religion Deities Roog Kopé Tiatie Cac Kokh Kox Koox Takhar Tiurakh Main doctrines Animism Astronomy Ciiɗ (Reincarnation) Divination Intercession of saints Rainmaker Sacred places Baol Cekeen Tumulus Fandène Fatick Index of holy sites Saloum Senegambian stone circles Sine Somb Tassili n'Ajjer Point of Sangomar Thiouthioune Tukar Yaboyabo Related articles Lamane Pangool Saltigue (priesthood) Serer ancient history Serer creation myth Serer people States headed by Serer Lamanes Timeline of Serer history Xooy Notable figures Amar Godomat Lamane Jegan Joof Issa Laye Thiaw Maad Semou Njekeh Joof Index of Serer patriarchs Index of Serer matriarchs Relations with other religions Serer Exodus from Tekrur Serer views on incarnation Serer history Persecution of Serers By Muslims By Christians Serer-Jewish relations Serer views on interfaith marriage Serer views on heaven and hell African traditional religions African diaspora religions Education Ndut initiation rite See also Index of articles relating to Serer history Index of articles relating to Serer religion Index of all articles relating to Serer people Serer people category Serer religion category v t e

**Pangool** (in [Serer](/source/Serer_language) and [Cangin](/source/Cangin_languages)) singular: **Fangool** (var : *Pangol* and *Fangol*),[1] are the ancient saints and ancestral spirits of the [Serer people](/source/Serer_people) of [Senegal](/source/Senegal), the [Gambia](/source/Gambia) and [Mauritania](/source/Mauritania). The Pangool play a crucial role in [Serer religion](/source/Serer_religion) and [history](/source/Timeline_of_Serer_history). In a religious sense, they act as [interceders](/source/Intercession_of_saints) between the living world and the supreme being [Roog](/source/Roog) or [Koox](/source/Koox).[2] In a historical sense, the [ancient Serer village and town founders](/source/States_headed_by_ancient_Serer_Lamanes) called [Lamanes](/source/Lamane) were believed to be accompanied by a group of Pangool as they travelled in search of land to exploit. These Lamanes became guardians of Serer religion and created shrines in honour of the Pangool, thus becoming the custodians of the "Pangool cult".[note 1][3]

There are several Pangool in Serer religion and each one is associated with a specific attribute, have their own [sacred place of worship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Serer_holy_places), means of worship, etc. These places of worship are often trees or groves.[4] The symbol of the Pangool is the [serpent](/source/Snake), represented by two coiled black snakes.[5]

## Etymology and terminology

- *Fangool* – the singular of Pangool

- *Pangool* – a group of Fangool

- *O Yaal Pangool* (var : *yaal pangool*) – the "masters of the Pangool cult", i.e. the Serer priestly class – [Saltigues](/source/Saltigue), previously the [Lamanic class](/source/Lamane).[6]

- *Pangool ke* – the ancestors[7]

The etymology of *Fangool* comes from the Serer phrase *Fang Qool* which means the sacred [serpent](/source/Snake)[8] the plural of which is *Pangool*. Fangool means serpent.[9] *Qool* itself (and it many spelling variations) derives from the sacred *[nqual tree](/source/Serer_creation_myth#First_swamp_and_creation_of_Earth_(Nqaul))* (Serer proper: *NGawul*[10] or *Ngaul*,[11] Latin: *mitragyna inermis*[11]) referenced in the [Serer creation myth](/source/Serer_creation_myth) as one of the primordial trees.

## Types

There are two main types of Pangool: non-human Pangool and human Pangool. Both are sacred and ancient, but the former is more ancient as a general rule. The non-human Pangool include ancient sacred places with vital spiritual energies and personalized as such.[9] These Pangool generally are the personifications of [natural](/source/Nature) forces.[12] Human Pangool on the other hand became Pangool once they are canonized after death. Thus some are ancient, others are [medieval](/source/Medieval_Era). Through their intercession with the divine, they form a link which transmits vital energies. Not every dead ancient ancestor is canonized as Pangool.[9][13]

Pangool can be subdivided further into:

- 1. Pangool who are known and revered in a particular region, such as the tombs of ancient Serer kings and queens[14] (see [Serer ancient history](/source/Serer_ancient_history) and [Serer creation myth](/source/Serer_creation_myth))

- 2. Pangool who are known and revered in a particular village or town, such as the [Serer village or town founders](/source/States_headed_by_ancient_Serer_Lamanes)[14]

- 3. Pangool who are known, revered and venerated in a particular square such as the founder of the square[14]

- 4. A Fangool made known to an individual and thus became the personal Fangool of the individual in question,[14] such as the Fangool *Ginaaru* (the personal Fangool of [Maad a Sinig Maysa Wali Jaxateh Manneh](/source/Maad_a_Sinig_Maysa_Wali_Jaxateh_Manneh), var: Maysa Waaly Dione,[15] the first [Guelowar](/source/Guelowar) king of [Sine](/source/Kingdom_of_Sine), reigned: 1350–1370[16]).

- 5. Pangool whose names are lost to history or did not disclose their identity, but are well known for certain events in Serer history, such as the seizure of certain historical figures, etc.[14]

In addition to these, Pangool can be further categorized depending on their character and nature, such as:

- 1. *[Blood](/source/Blood)* or *[red](/source/Red#Courage_and_sacrifice) Pangool*: those who require the sacrifice of domesticated animals (i.e. [cattle](/source/Cattle)) in their veneration, or alcohol[17]

- 2. *[Milk](/source/Milk) Pangool*: those who require the offerings of milk[17]

- 3. *[Water](/source/Water) Pangool*: those who reside in water, etc.,[17]

Blood is a sign of life in Serer [cosmogony](/source/Cosmogony)[17] and these types of Pangool fulfill a vital role in Serer society, and are seen as one of the most ancient and powerful. The Fangool Ngolum Joof (var: Ngolum Diouf) is one of these *blood Pangool*.[17] In many cases, offerings of alcohol rather than the sacrifice of [domesticated animals](/source/Domestication) are made to these *blood Pangool*.[17] In contrast to the *blood Pangool*, the *milk Pangool* such as Moussa Sarr, Njemeh (var: Ndiémé) of Languème and Njoxona, etc., are those Pangool who are peaceful in nature and character. They even reject anything that symbolizes violence or things that may evoke destruction or death, i.e. iron, weapons, gunpowder, blood and the colour red. They usually are the protectors of Serer cities and the defenders of the weak.[17]

## History

### Early history

Main articles: [Timeline of Serer history](/source/Timeline_of_Serer_history), [States headed by ancient Serer Lamanes](/source/States_headed_by_ancient_Serer_Lamanes), and [Lamane](/source/Lamane)

The history regarding the veneration of the Pangool is found within the [hermeneutics](/source/Hermeneutics) of Serer religion, oral tradition and archaeological discoveries. Prior to the widespread veneration of the Pangool, the religious habit of the ancient Serers included holding prayers at the beginning of the rainy season. The branches of the *Njambayargin* tree ([bauhinia rufescens](/source/Bauhinia_rufescens)[18]) were fetched by these ancient people because they believed the tree to possess elements which boosted the growth of their crops and produce much fruit. Ritual prayers were made to the supreme spirit [Roog](/source/Roog) (or [Koox](/source/Koox) among the [Cangin](/source/Cangin_languages)), totally distinct from the prayers that would later become afforded to other Serer spiritual entities such as the Pangool.[19] In [Serer cosmogony](/source/Serer_creation_myth), trees play a vital role in the [creation narrative](/source/Cosmogony), as they were the first things created on [Earth](/source/Earth) by the divine, followed by [animals](/source/Animals) (non-[humans](/source/Humans)).[20][21] The exact date as to when the veneration of the Pangool became prevalent cannot be stated with a degree of accuracy.

### Medieval Era

Main articles: [Lamane Jegan Joof](/source/Lamane_Jegan_Joof) and [Tukar](/source/Tukar)

[Lamane Jegan Joof](/source/Lamane_Jegan_Joof) founder of Tukar c. 11th century, is reported to have been accompanied by a group of Pangool when he migrated from [Lambaye](/source/Lambaye_Arrondissement) with his brother Ndik following a disagreement with his relative the king of Lambaye.[22][23] After his migration, he founded Tukar, previously in the Serer pre-colonial [Kingdom of Sine](/source/Kingdom_of_Sine),[24] now part of independent [Senegal](/source/Senegal). Tukar is one of the [Serer holy sites](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Serer_holy_places), and the Pangool affiliated with it are devotedly venerated in the Serer religious calendar, such as the '[Raan festival](/source/Serer_religion#Raan_Festival) which takes place once a year on the second Thursday after the [new moon](/source/New_moon) in April. The descendants of Lamane Jegan Joof (the [Joof family](/source/Joof_family) of Tukar) play a vital role in this religious affair.

## Serer religion

Further information: [Serer religion](/source/Serer_religion) and [Serer creation myth](/source/Serer_creation_myth)

The Pangool are related to the [transcendence](/source/Transcendence_(religion)) of the divine. In the Serer home, the altar of the Pangool can not conceal that of the divine.[25]

The Pangool provide the vital energies relating to the realities of the [Serer people](/source/Serer_people) especially those forces outside the control of humanity. The religious practices and representations of the Pangool helps the Serer people dominate the hostile forces of nature, hence the advent of the Pangool veneration.[26] Through their sacred intercession with the divine, these Pangool act as protectors and transmitters of vital energy to the world of the living. They can be humans, plants, animals, places, supernatural beings, etc.[26][27] Animals and trees are viewed by the Serers as extended relatives of human beings, because they came from the same divine [placenta](/source/Placenta) at the time of the [coronation](/source/Creation_myth).

Many Pangool are spirits of early ancestors who had died. They represent both Pangool of the paternal line (*pangool o kurcala*) and those of the maternal line (*pangool o ƭeen yaay*). These ancestors guide and protect their descendants. Many [Serer families](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Serer_families) have a Master of Pangool who knows how to evokes the ancestor. The earlier Pangool were not human beings, but superior beings created by [Roog](/source/Roog) at the time human beings were created. They were believed to have been created by the divine in order to help human kind. It is for this reason why the terms Pangool and *Nguus* (Serer word for genie[28]) are sometimes used interchangeably.[13] Because some Pangool are linked to Serer lineages, only the head of the lineage schooled in the rituals can make a libation to the relevant Pangool or Fangool (the ancestor).[29]

In the [other world](/source/Metempsychosis), the ancestors are the actual carrying-holders of transcendent sacred energies. However, the Pangool are superior in title because they were not transformed in the sacred energy. Thus the distinction between a *Fangool* (non-human) and a human-ancestor lies in the mode of their participation in the transcendence. In either case, Roog is the first source of the transcendence of sacred energies.[30][31]

Offerings of fruits, vegetables, crops, milk, or the sacrifice of domesticated animals are made to the Pangool in different places, e.g.: at the foot of trees, in forests, at community shrines, etc. There are Pangools whose scope is therapeutic, those who deliver justice (see also [Takhar](/source/Takhar) – spirit of justice) and those who are personal Pangool.[32]

## List of Serer Pangool

The following table provides a sample of Pangool, their attributes and the part of [Serer country](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Serer_country) they protect **:**

Name of Fangool Protector of Attributes / comments Laga Ndong Foundiougne Department (Djilor and Peithie) Canonized king of the Pangool during the reign of Maad a Sinig Waasila Faye[33] (king of Sine, in the 15th century[34]). Homage made to him at the festival of Tourou Peithie, one of the religious festivals in the Serer calendar.[35] Veneration headed by the Taa'boor matriclan (var : Tabor).[29] Njoxona Nakhar village in Nakhar Village founded by Jaan Fadé[36] represented by the python. Homage headed by the Jaan clan.[37] Njoxona is a milk Fangool.[17] Mindiss (var : Mindis) Fatick Region A female protector of the Fatick Region, offering made to the River Sine. She appears to humans in the form of a manatee,[38] one of the best known Fangool. She possess the attributes of a typical water Fangool, yet at the same time she is a blood Fangool.[39] Julang Joof and Ngojil Joof[40] Ngol and several others Husband and wife protectors of Ngol and several villages and towns within its vicinity, where the ceremony and offerings are made to the sacred tree of Ñaawul (var : Naawul) believed to be the sacred tree of these two.[41] Headed by the Joof family.[37] Ngolum Joof (var : Ngolum Diouf, proper : Ngolum Juuf) Nianiane Offerings are made at the village of Nianiane (founded by Nokhor Choro Joof[17][42]) to the Ngane and baobab tree.[17] Headed by the Joof family[37] and the Karé-Karé matriclan.[29] He is a blood Fangool.[17] Lunguñ Joof (Serer proper : Lunguñ Juuf)[43] FA Oye, Ngouye and Tukar. A typical Fangool that delivers justice and have many devotees. Canonized at the time of Lamane Jegan Joof.[44] Headed by the Joof family. Ginaaru Personal Personal Fangool of Maad a Sinig Maysa Wali Jaxateh Manneh (var : Maysa Waaly Dione),[15] king of Sine, reigned : 1350–1370.[16] Njemeh (var : Ndiémé) Languème Njemeh is one of the milk Pangool.[17] Moussa Sarr (or : Saar) ? A milk Fangool.[17] Harwak Fayil[45] Veneration headed by the Cofaan matriclan.[29] Tamba Faye Ndiob According to Serer oral tradition, during the reigne of Maad a Sinig Boukar Tjilas Mahe Soum Joof[46] (king of Sine, c. 1750 – 1763), the Maad a Sinig came into conflict with the great Fangool of Ndiob – Tamba Faye.[47]

## See also

- [Senegal portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Senegal)
- [Gambia portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Gambia)
- [Mauritania portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Mauritania)
- [Traditional African religion portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Traditional_African_religion)
- [Religion portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Religion)

- [Ciiɗ (Serer religion)](/source/Cii%C9%97_(Serer_religion))

- [Nommo](/source/Nommo)

- [Snakes in mythology](/source/Snakes_in_mythology)

- [Ancestor worship](/source/Ancestor_worship)

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** [R. P. Crétois, Dictionnaire Sereer-Français, Dakar, CLAD, t. 1 (1972), t. 2 (1973), t. 3 (1974), t. 4 (1975), t. 5 (1976), t. 6 (1977), passim.] and [Abbé L. Diouf, L’homme dans le monde (Vision sereer), communication aux Journées Africaines de Théologie, polygraphié, s. d., p. 6.] [in] Martin & Becker, "Lieux de culte et emplacements célèbres dans les pays sereer", pp 7–8

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** [Gravrand, Henry](/source/Henry_Gravrand), "La Civilisation Sereer – Pangool", vol.2, Les Nouvelles Editions Africaines du Senegal, (1990), p 278, [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [2-7236-1055-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/2-7236-1055-1)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Gal_4-0)** Galvan, Dennis Charles, "The State Must Be Our Master of Fire : How Peasants Craft Culturally Sustainable Development in Senegal", Berkeley, [University of California Press](/source/University_of_California_Press) (2004), pp 53, 185

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Searing, James F. (24 March 2003). ["'NO KINGS, NO LORDS, NO SLAVES': ETHNICITY AND RELIGION AMONG THE SEREER-SAFÈN OF WESTERN BAWOL, 1700–1914"](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-african-history/article/abs/no-kings-no-lords-no-slaves-ethnicity-and-religion-among-the-sereersafen-of-western-bawol-17001914/94F6A342ECA4CD228B80B83844DBA96B). *The Journal of African History*. **43** (3): 407–429. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1017/S0021853702008162](https://doi.org/10.1017%2FS0021853702008162). [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [1469-5138](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/1469-5138).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Gravrand, "Pangool", p 9

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Kalis, p 300

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Kalis, p 122

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Gravrand, "Pangool", p 311

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Pangoo_p_13_10-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Pangoo_p_13_10-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Pangoo_p_13_10-2) Gravrand, "Pangool", p 313

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Kalis, Simone, "Médecine traditionnelle, religion et divination ches les Seereer Siin du Sénégal" – La connaissance de la nuit, L’Harmattan, 1997, p. 291, [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [2-7384-5196-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/2-7384-5196-9)

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-LeriAnd_12-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-LeriAnd_12-1) Lericollais, André, « La gestion du paysage ? Sahélisation, surexploitation et délaissement des terroirs sereer au Sénégal », Afrique de l'ouest, Dakar (21–26 November 1988), ORSTOM [\[1\]](http://horizon.documentation.ird.fr/exl-doc/pleins_textes/pleins_textes_5/b_fdi_31-32/35248.pdf). For the name of Serer medicinal plants and their corresponding Latin names, see: *Nqaul* is spelt *Ngaul* (p. 8), *Mbos* (pp. 5 & 8), *Somb* (p. 8), *Ngud* (p. 8), *Nalafun* (p. 8), *Ngol* (p. 8), *Saas* is spelt *Sas* (p. 5), and [\[2\]](https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:zX0dh2WfBGAJ:horizon.documentation.ird.fr/exl-doc/pleins_textes/pleins_textes_5/b_fdi_31-32/35248.pdf+nqaul+arbre&hl=en&gl=uk&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESj_zO4iryV5DQot4rwzB5l9rtHNGpt90rXtojjfXytmdYU6-BnhVjOvjQThfX2UVLqqJP5dbcPH6Cs6LETfIBh-jn6BkD1dbw3DePJYvwGxUbxYSMXNqSZUNFrsVDWtnViGxAfE&sig=AHIEtbTGsDUtWqt0HNEu-bHo0qv9bYNagQ) (retrieved 13 March 2025)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** Granvrand, "Pangool", p 327

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Kal_122-3_14-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Kal_122-3_14-1) Kalis, pp 122–123

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Cr_15-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Cr_15-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Cr_15-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Cr_15-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Cr_15-4) (in French) R. P. Crétois, "Dictionnaire Sereer-Français", Dakar, CLAD, t. 1 (1972), t. 2 (1973), t. 3 (1974), t. 4 (1975), t. 5 [in] Martin & Becker (pp 7–8)

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-pan344_16-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-pan344_16-1) Gravrand, "Pangool", p 344

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Sarr_17-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Sarr_17-1) [Sarr, Alioune](/source/Alioune_Sarr), "[Histoire du Sine-Saloum](/source/Alioune_Sarr#Histoire_du_Sine-Saloum)" (Sénégal), Introduction, bibliographie et notes par Charles Becker. Version légèrement remaniée par rapport à celle qui est parue en 1986–87. p 19

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Pan38_18-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Pan38_18-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Pan38_18-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Pan38_18-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Pan38_18-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-Pan38_18-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-Pan38_18-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-Pan38_18-7) [***i***](#cite_ref-Pan38_18-8) [***j***](#cite_ref-Pan38_18-9) [***k***](#cite_ref-Pan38_18-10) [***l***](#cite_ref-Pan38_18-11) [***m***](#cite_ref-Pan38_18-12) Gravrand, "Pangool", p 338

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** (in French) Lericollais, André, "La mort des arbres à Sob, en pays Sereer" (Sénégal), pp 3–5 [\[3\]](http://horizon.documentation.ird.fr/exl-doc/pleins_textes/doc34-08/30676.pdf)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Pangool_pp_283-4_20-0)** Gravrand, "Pagool", pp 283–4

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** Niangoran-Bouah, Georges, "L'univers Akan des poids à peser l'or : les poids dans la société", Les nouvelles éditions africaines – MLB, (1987), p 25, [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [2723614034](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/2723614034)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** [Universität Frankfurt am Main](/source/Universit%C3%A4t_Frankfurt_am_Main), Frobenius-Institut, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kulturmorphologie, Frobenius Gesellschaft, "Paideuma: Mitteilungen zur Kulturkunde, Volumes 43–44", F. Steiner (1997), pp 144–5, (Henry Gravrand, "La civilisation Sereer -Pangool" [in]) [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [3515028420](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/3515028420)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** Galvan, Dennis Charles, The State Must Be Our Master of Fire: How Peasants Craft Culturally Sustainable Development in Senegal, University of California Press, Berkeley (2004), pp 109–111, 80, 2–281 [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9780520235915](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780520235915)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** Bressers, Hans, Rosenbaum, Walter A., Achieving sustainable development: the challenge of governance across social scales, Greenwood Publishing Group, (2003) p. 151 [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0275978028](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0275978028)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** Gravrand, "Pangool, p 241

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** Gravrand, "Pangool", p 305

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-pan_27-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-pan_27-1) Gravrand, "Pangool", pp 307–8

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** [Faye, Louis Diène](/source/Louis_Di%C3%A8ne_Faye), "Mort et Naissance le monde Sereer", Les Nouvelles Editions Africaines (1983), p 43, [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [2-7236-0868-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/2-7236-0868-9)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** Kalis, p 153

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Pangool_p_352_30-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Pangool_p_352_30-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Pangool_p_352_30-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Pangool_p_352_30-3) Gravrand, "Pangool", 352

1. **[^](#cite_ref-31)** Kalis, p 123-4

1. **[^](#cite_ref-32)** Gravrand, "Pangool", p 330

1. **[^](#cite_ref-33)** Gravrand, "Pangool", p 342-4

1. **[^](#cite_ref-34)** Gravrand, "Pangool", p 363

1. **[^](#cite_ref-35)** Gravrand, "Pangool", p 386

1. **[^](#cite_ref-36)** (in French) Niang, Mor Sadio, "CEREMONIES ET FÊTES TRADITIONNELLES", [in] Ethiopiques no 31 révue socialiste de culture négro-africaine 3e trimestre (1982) [\[4\]](http://ethiopiques.refer.sn/spip.php?article905) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20131224154807/http://ethiopiques.refer.sn/spip.php?article905) 2013-12-24 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-37)** Gravrand, "Pangool", p 320

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Becs_38-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Becs_38-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Becs_38-2) (in French) Martin, Victor & Becker, Charles, "Lieux de culte et emplacements célèbres dans les pays sereer" (Sénégal), Publié dans le Bulletin de l’[Institut Fondamental d'Afrique Noire](/source/Institut_Fondamental_d'Afrique_Noire), Tome 41, Série B, n° 1, janvier 1979, p. 133-189 (pp 15–34) [\[5\]](http://ucadao.s3.amazonaws.com/agorae/2009311111736/V.Martin(a).pdf) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160303213621/http://ucadao.s3.amazonaws.com/agorae/2009311111736/V.Martin(a).pdf) 2016-03-03 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-39)** Kalis, p 123

1. **[^](#cite_ref-40)** Gravrand, "Pangool", p 327

1. **[^](#cite_ref-41)** Variation : Dioulang Diouf & Ngojil Diouf (French spelling in [Senegal](/source/Senegal) respectively), the surname Joof (English spelling in the [Gambia](/source/Gambia)) or Diouf (French spelling in Senegal) is spelt *Juuf* or *Juf* in [Serer language](/source/Serer_language). *Juuf* is the proper spelling of the surname Joof/Diouf.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-42)** Gravrand, "Pangool", p 332-3

1. **[^](#cite_ref-43)** Variation : Nokhor Tioro Diouf

1. **[^](#cite_ref-44)** Var : Lungun Diouf

1. **[^](#cite_ref-45)** Gravrand, "Pangool", pp 342–3, 349

1. **[^](#cite_ref-46)** Gravrand, "Pangool", p 344 & 352

1. **[^](#cite_ref-47)** Variation : Boukar Tjilas Mahé Soum Diouf

1. **[^](#cite_ref-48)** (in French) Diouf, Niokhobaye, "Chronique du royaume du Sine", Suivie de notes sur les traditions orales et les sources écrites concernant le royaume du Sine par Charles Becker et Victor Martin. (1972). Bulletin de l'Ifan, Tome 34, Série B, n° 4, (1972). pp 723 (p 14)

## Notes

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** The Serer do not refer to their religious practices as cults. They refer to these supernatural beings simply as *Pangool*, singular — *Fangool*. The word "cult" has negative and pejorative connotations especially when referring to other people's spiritual beliefs and traditions.

## Bibliography

- [Gravrand, Henry](/source/Henry_Gravrand), "La Civilisation Sereer – *Pangool*", vol.2, Les Nouvelles Editions Africaines du Senegal, (1990), [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [2-7236-1055-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/2-7236-1055-1)

- Gravrand, Henry, "La civilisation Sereer, VOL.1, *Cosaan* : les origines", Nouvelles Editions africaines (1983), [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [2723608778](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/2723608778)

- Kalis, Simone, "Médecine traditionnelle, religion et divination ches les Seereer Siin du Sénégal" –La connaissance de la nuit, L’Harmattan (1997), [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [2-7384-5196-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/2-7384-5196-9)

- [Faye, Louis Diène](/source/Louis_Di%C3%A8ne_Faye), "Mort et Naissance le monde Sereer", Les Nouvelles Editions Africaines (1983), [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [2-7236-0868-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/2-7236-0868-9)

- Galvan, Dennis Charles, "The State Must Be Our Master of Fire : How Peasants Craft Culturally Sustainable Development in Senegal", Berkeley, University of California Press (2004)

- Lericollais, André, "La mort des arbres à Sob, en pays Sereer" (Sénégal), pp 3–5 [\[6\]](http://horizon.documentation.ird.fr/exl-doc/pleins_textes/doc34-08/30676.pdf)

- Niangoran-Bouah, Georges, "L'univers Akan des poids à peser l'or : les poids dans la société", Les nouvelles éditions africaines – MLB, (1987), [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [2723614034](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/2723614034)

- Lericollais, André, « La gestion du paysage ? Sahélisation, surexploitation et délaissement des terroirs sereer au Sénégal », Afrique de l'ouest, Dakar (21–26 November 1988), ORSTOM [\[7\]](http://horizon.documentation.ird.fr/exl-doc/pleins_textes/pleins_textes_5/b_fdi_31-32/35248.pdf). For the name of Serer medicinal plants and their corresponding Latin names, see: *Nqaul* is spelt *Ngaul* (p. 8), *Mbos* (pp. 5 & 8), *Somb* (p. 8), *Ngud* (p. 8), *Nalafun* (p. 8), *Ngol* (p. 8), *Saas* is spelt *Sas* (p. 5), and [\[8\]](https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:zX0dh2WfBGAJ:horizon.documentation.ird.fr/exl-doc/pleins_textes/pleins_textes_5/b_fdi_31-32/35248.pdf+nqaul+arbre&hl=en&gl=uk&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESj_zO4iryV5DQot4rwzB5l9rtHNGpt90rXtojjfXytmdYU6-BnhVjOvjQThfX2UVLqqJP5dbcPH6Cs6LETfIBh-jn6BkD1dbw3DePJYvwGxUbxYSMXNqSZUNFrsVDWtnViGxAfE&sig=AHIEtbTGsDUtWqt0HNEu-bHo0qv9bYNagQ) (retrieved 13 March 2025)

- [Universität Frankfurt am Main](/source/Universit%C3%A4t_Frankfurt_am_Main), Frobenius-Institut, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kulturmorphologie, Frobenius Gesellschaft, "Paideuma: Mitteilungen zur Kulturkunde, Volumes 43–44", F. Steiner (1997), pp 144–5, (Henry Gravrand, "La civilisation Sereer -Pangool" [in]) [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [3515028420](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/3515028420)

- Bressers, Hans, Rosenbaum, Walter A., Achieving sustainable development: the challenge of governance across social scales, Greenwood Publishing Group, (2003) p. 151 [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0275978028](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0275978028)

- Niang, Mor Sadio, "CEREMONIES ET FÊTES TRADITIONNELLES", [in] Ethiopiques no 31 révue socialiste de culture négro-africaine 3e trimestre (1982) [\[9\]](http://ethiopiques.refer.sn/spip.php?article905) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20131224154807/http://ethiopiques.refer.sn/spip.php?article905) 2013-12-24 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

- Martin, Victor & Becker, Charles, "Lieux de culte et emplacements célèbres dans les pays sereer" (Sénégal), Publié dans le Bulletin de l’[Institut Fondamental d'Afrique Noire](/source/Institut_Fondamental_d'Afrique_Noire), Tome 41, Série B, n° 1, janvier 1979, p. 133–189 (p 15) [\[10\]](https://web.archive.org/web/20160303213621/http://ucadao.s3.amazonaws.com/agorae/2009311111736/V.Martin(a).pdf)

- R. P. Crétois, Dictionnaire Sereer-Français, Dakar, CLAD, t. 1 (1972), t. 2 (1973), t. 3 (1974), t. 4 (1975), t. 5 (1976), t. 6 (1977), passim. [in] Martin, Victor & Becker, Charles, "Lieux de culte et emplacements célèbres dans les pays sereer"

- Abbé L. Diouf, L’homme dans le monde (Vision sereer), communication aux Journées Africaines de Théologie, polygraphié, s. d., p. 6. [in] Martin, Victor & Becker, Charles, "Lieux de culte et emplacements célèbres dans les pays sereer"

- [Sarr, Alioune](/source/Alioune_Sarr), "[Histoire du Sine-Saloum](/source/Alioune_Sarr#Histoire_du_Sine-Saloum)" (Sénégal), Introduction, bibliographie et notes par Charles Becker. Version légèrement remaniée par rapport à celle qui est parue en 1986–87. p 19

- Diouf, Niokhobaye, "Chronique du royaume du Sine", Suivie de notes sur les traditions orales et les sources écrites concernant le royaume du Sine par Charles Becker et Victor Martin. (1972). Bulletin de l'Ifan, Tome 34, Série B, n° 4, (1972). pp 723 (p 14)

v t e Serer topics Peoples Laalaa Ndut Niominka Noon Palor Saafi Seex (Noticeboard announcements) Religion Key topics Ciiɗ (reincarnation) Classical Ndut teachings Creation myth Criticism Festivals Xooy Jaaniiw Junjung Lamane Persecution Pangool Religion Sadax Saltigue Symbolism Women Supreme deities Kokh Kox Koox Kopé Tiatie Cac Roog (Supreme Deity) Other deities (or spirits) Kumba Njaay Takhar Tiurakh Sacred sites Fatick Sine River Sine-Saloum Somb Point of Sangomar Tattaguine Tukar Yaboyabo History Amar Godomat Battle of Fandane-Thiouthioune Battle of Logandème Cekeen Tumuli Khasso Kingdom of Baol Kingdom of Biffeche kingdom of Saloum Kingdom of Sine States headed by Serer Lamanes Serer ancient history Serer Exodus from Tekrur Serer medieval history Takrur Timeline of Serer history Western Sahara Wagadou (Ghana Empire) Demographics By region Gambia Mauritania Senegal Serer country Languages Cangin Lehar/Laalaa Ndut Noon Palor Safen Serer Culture Birth Customary law Death Inheritance Marriage Mbalax Njuup Saadj (or Chere or saay) Sabar Tama Tassu Njom Royalty Maad (kings) & Lamaan (ancient kings & landowners) Amar Godomat Lamane Jegan Joof Maad a Sinig Ama Joof Gnilane Faye Joof Maad a Sinig Kumba Ndoffene Famak Joof Maad a Sinig Kumba Ndoffene Fa Ndeb Joof Maad a Sinig Mahecor Joof Maad a Sinig Maysa Wali Jaxateh Manneh Maad Ndaah Njemeh Joof Maad Saloum Mbegan Ndour Maad Saloum Fode N'Gouye Joof Maad Semou Njekeh Joof Bourba Jolof Ndiadiane Ndiaye (founder of Jolof Empire) Serer Braks of Waalo (of the Joos Maternal Dynasty) Lingeer (queens & queen mothers) Lingeer Fatim Beye Lingeer Ndoye Demba Lingeer Ngoné Dièye Lingeer Selbeh Ndoffene Joof Serer maternal clans Dynasties and royal houses Faye family Guelowar Joof family Joos Maternal Dynasty The Royal House of Boureh Gnilane Joof The Royal House of Jogo Siga Joof The Royal House of Semou Njekeh Joof Families and royal titles Buumi Faye family Joof family Lamane Lingeer Loul Maad Maad Saloum Maad a Sinig Ngum family Njie family Sarr family Sene family Teigne Thilas Related people Jola people Lebu people Toucouleur people Wolof people Bafour

v t e Religion in Africa Religions Traditional African religions portal African traditional religions Akan religion Ancient Egyptian religion Baháʼí Faith Bantu mythology Traditional Berber religion Bono mythology Buddhism Bushongo mythology Christianity Dahomean religion Dinka religion Dogon religion Efik mythology Hinduism Igbo religion Irreligion Islam Isoko mythology Jainism Judaism Khoe/San religion Kongo religion Kushite religion LDS Church Lotuko mythology Lozi mythology Lugbara mythology Maasai mythology Malagasy mythology Mbuti mythology Serer religion Serer creation myth Tumbuka mythology Waaqeffanna Yoruba religion Zulu religion Sovereign states Algeria Angola Benin Botswana Burkina Faso Burundi Cameroon Cape Verde Central African Republic Chad Comoros Democratic Republic of the Congo Djibouti Egypt Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Eswatini Ethiopia Gabon The Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea-Bissau Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire) Kenya Lesotho Liberia Libya Madagascar Malawi Mali Mauritania Mauritius Morocco Mozambique Namibia Niger Nigeria Republic of the Congo Rwanda São Tomé and Príncipe Senegal Seychelles Sierra Leone Somalia South Africa South Sudan Sudan Tanzania Togo Tunisia Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe Dependencies, autonomies, and other territories Canary Islands (Spain) Ceuta (Spain) Madeira (Portugal) Mayotte (France) Melilla (Spain) Puntland Réunion (France) Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic St. Helena (UK) Somaliland Western Sahara Zanzibar (Tanzania) See also: African diaspora religions

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Pangool](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pangool) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pangool?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.