Origin.

The empire emerged in the area of Senegambia watered by two great rivers, Senegal and Gambia.  The Jolof empire or kingdom was a centre of power among other Woloff states.  They included Cayor, Wal and Baol.

According to legends, the Woloff people originated from the eastern part of the Sudan. They were driven to Senegambia areas by the Fulani and Berber invaders in the 14th century.  The Woloff were forced to conquer the Mandinka people and thus founded the great Woloff empire.

Another legend has it that the Woloff originally lived in scattered villages but were brought together by a man of strong personality known as Ndyadaye Ndyaye.

It is on this man that other successive rulers built the foundation of Woloff.  He used diplomatic approach to succeed in bringing together the different neighbouring states of Walo, Cayor, and Baol which formed the Woloff empire.

By the 16th century, the empire had become very strong and prosperous through trade with the European merchants at  the coast.

In fact through this trade, the kings of Woloff acquired fire arms to strengthen their  army thus the rise and expansion of the empire.

Reasons for the Rise And Expansion.

A strong army: The Jolof kingdom which was the centre of power among the Woloff states had a strong army.  The army comprised 10,000 horsemen, and 100 soldiers (infantry).  In fact by 1506 the Woloff empire was proud to defend itself against any external aggression.  The army was also used in expansion and keeping of law and order.

Ndyaye's diplomacy:  As the Burba (king) of Jolof he used diplomacy to bring the other states of Baol, Cayor and Walo into a union with her.  By the 15th century, the northern states had formed a federation with Jolof this the Woloff empire.

Trade and cultural relations: The people of Woloff had these good  relations with the people of western Sudan during the period of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai empires.  This helped the Woloff empire to trade with these kingdoms and also exchange cultural elements , thus its rise and expansion.

Early contacts with the Europeans: As early as 1440 the Portuguese traders and explores had visited the Woloff empire.  The Woloff were able to acquire European goods like fire arms before any African states.  The weapons acquired were used by the army, expanded the empire and maintained law and order.

Great nomads and cattle keepers: Cattle keeping was a way of life and source of livelihood.  The Woloff grew some crops for home consumption and the surplus was exchanged with other items.  Therefore the Woloff people were assured by a steady supply of food and a better livelihood through pastrolism.

Well organised political system: The Woloff developed an elaborate system of government with an elected king by the nobles.  He was supposed to come from the members of the noble family.... This meant that only kings of substance and ability were chosen.

Political Structure of the Woloff Empire.

The Woloff empire was headed by a king known as Burba Joloff.  The Woloff people developed an elaborate system of government eg, the king was elected other than being hereditary.  Therefore kings made themselves very rich to guard against being overthrown by the nobles.

The Woloff union was made up of four constituent states, Jolof, Caor, Baol and Walo.  Each of these controlled its own local affairs.  But all the rulers looked at Baba Joloff as their head.

The other two states of the Serer people ; Sine and Salum which were south of the empire were also brought  into the Woloff empire later on.

Women played an important role in the Woloff empire.  The head of women in the kingdom was usually the kin's mother or sister. She had a responsibility of setting disputes especially among women such as adultery.

The king also appointed local chiefs to rule over groups of villages.  These local chiefs were not of the noble origin.  Thy were responsible for the collection of taxes, uphold the law and were answerable to the king.

Social structure

Socially the Woloff society was a class society based on a rigid caste system.  There were three (3) main classes ; the royal families and nobles, the free born comprising farmers, crafts men and smiths and lastly the slaves were at the bottom.  It is this group that comprised the labour force of the Woloff empire.

Economic structure

Economically, the people of Woloff were great cattle keepers.  They practiced nomadic pastrolism. They also grew crops for home consumption.  All these were important sources of wealth.

The Woloff also developed a profitable trade with the Europeans.  They always trade with the Portuguese merchants at the coast.  They sold especially slaves in European goods such as metal and glass ware, fire arms, cotton cloth and gun powder.

Another important source of revenue was derived from  fine  from coat trails and also taxes involved in the Fulani nomads in return for protection.  They also got tributaries from some vassal states which increased on its wealth and economic potential.