The people of the Bissagos archipelago off the Geba estuary, fishers, rice farmers and canoe men, whose women held unusual authority over households and shrines; in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries they were feared raiders of the mainland coast.
Nothing is known of them in 1200 beyond the likelihood that the islands were already theirs.
Who holds it
- Title
- Island and village elders; women with ritual and household authority (later evidence)
- Since
- Not known
- Confidence
- low
Nothing is recorded for 1200.
How things stand that morning
Not known; presumably self-governing.
Customs
Island villages; strong ritual and household roles for women; initiation (later evidence).
Assemblies
Not recorded.
Where the sources disagree
Evidence: Later evidence only.
On the map: The islands only.
Sources and studies
- Researcher's knowledge of Guinea-Bissau ethnography; no web source read for this record
Last revised 4 November 2026. Published 4 November 2026. Suggest a correction on the OMNIA Discord.