Faye family

This article is about the Serer surname Faye. For other uses, see Faye (disambiguation).
Faye family
The totem and symbol of the Faye family is the African warthog, symbolizing courage and leadership in Serer mythology.
CountryKingdom of Sine (present-day Senegal)
FounderBoukar Djillakh Faye (14th century, c. 1335[1])
Final rulerMaad a Sinig Sanmoon Faye (King of Sine, 1871–1878) was the last king from this family to rule in Sine. The last king of Sine was Maad a Sinig Mahecor Joof (died 1969)
TitlesLamane
Maad
Maad a Sinig
Buumi
Thilas
Loul
Dissolution1969 — death of the last kings of Sine and Saloum

The patronym Faye (Serer: Fay) is one of the typical surnames of the Serer people of Senegal, the Gambia and Mauritania. In French-speaking Senegal and Mauritania, and English-speaking Gambia, the surname is spelled Faye.

This Serer surname is unrelated to the similar given name or surname in the Western world. They are also pronounced differently.

The name of their clan is Fayeen. The history of the Faye family is linked to Serer medieval history and Serer royalty. During the Guelowar period (the last maternal dynasty in the Serer kingdoms), the Faye family provided many of the kings of Sine. This family's biggest rival to the throne of Sine were the Joof family,[2] with whom they have a long joking relationship according to Serer and Senegambian culture.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference Sarr was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference epic was invoked but never defined (see the help page).