QUEEN MASARICO KNOWN AS MAGBETE QUALI

Masarico, also known as Magbete Quali, was a queen and military leader of the Mane in the middle of the 16th century.

Masarico's home, was the ancient Empire of Mali, she was part of the royal family of the Keita.

In the midst of Mali's decline, Masarico decides to emigrate (other sources say of exile) with members of the Mandinka warrior class further south.

These migrants were designated as Mane or Maneh, they traveled led by Masarico to places such as Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, where she led them into battle as they defeated all opponents, applying the military techniques of Mali.

The Manes were known to fight in squads of goalkeepers, protected by large shields.

The defeated natives would be integrated into the dreaded sumbas, elite warrior troop completely loyal to their leader.

The Mane's would attack the Bullom, Kru, Zape and even the Portuguese.

In 1545 Masarico's son dies fighting against the Bullom, she would die in 1546.

Manes would become the dominant force through her in various parts of Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Image of Masarico from African Heritage City.

Texts by Oumar Xavier.

Fuentes:

- Book History of the Upper Guinea Coast: 1545–1800 by Walter Rodney.

- Book The History of Sierra Leone: A Concise Introduction to C. Baily Fyle.

- Oumar's personal investigation.

English text.

Masarico or also known as Magbete Quali, was a queen and military leader of the Mane in the 16th century.

Masarico's home was the ancient empire of Mali, she was part of the Keita royal family.

In the midst of Mali's decline, Masarico decides to emigrate (other sources speak of exile) with members of the mandinka warrior class further south.

These migrants were designated as Mane or Maneh, they traveled led by Masarico to places like Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, where she led them in battle as they would defeat all of her adversaries, applying the military techniques of Mali.

The Manes were known to fight in squads of archers, protected by large shields.

The defeated natives would be integrated into the fearsome Sumbas, an elite warrior troop completely loyal to their leader.

The Maneh would attack the Bullom, Kru, Zape and even the portuguese.

In 1545 Masarico's son died fighting against the bulloms, she would die in 1546.

Thanks to it, the Manes would become the dominant force in various parts of Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Image by Masarico from African Heritage City.

Text by Oumar Xavier.

Sources:

- Book History of the Upper Guinea Coast: 1545–1800 by Walter Rodney.

- Book The History of Sierra Leone: A Concise Introduction by C. Baily Fyle.

- Oumar personal research.