Yatenga

one of the Mossi states. Yatenga emerged about the 14th century in the basin of the upper course of the White Volta River. At the turn of the 16th century it became an independent state. The nabas, or lords, of individual regions were subject to the yatenga-naba, the ruler of the state. The economy was based on feudal exploitation of the peasants, who were organized into communes; trade routes passing through the state were an additional important source of income. Its powerful military forces helped Yatenga retain its independence until the 1890’s. It was seized by French colonialists in 1896–97. In 1960, Yatenga became part of the Republic of Upper Volta.