Ouagadougou: Doctoral candidate Saydou Yameogo defended his doctoral thesis at Joseph-Ki-Zerbo University on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. The thesis, titled "Cultural borrowings of the Yarse of Guigmtenga, Burkina Faso: material goods and immaterial dimensions," delves into the material and immaterial culture of the Yarse.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Yameogo's work examines the interactions between the Yarse and the Mose to understand how these exchanges have shaped Burkinabe society. Supervised by lecturer Honorine Sare/Mare, the research highlights the cultural co-construction within Guigmtenga. It analyzes the cultural borrowings in objects, practices, and values shared between the Yarga and Moaga communities. Notably, Islam, trade, clothing, and the doua in Moaga country are identified as borrowings from Yarga culture.
The candidate emphasized the significant influence of Yarga culture on the social life of the Moogho, despite being perceived as foreign. His research aims to demonstrate the Yarga's contribution to the development of Mossi culture, particularly among the Nanamse. The 392-page document outlines interactions in language, festive ceremonies, and religious and social practices, illustrating the shared heritage built by the communities.
Professor Alain Joseph Sissao, research director at the Institute of Social Sciences and co-director of the thesis, noted that the study provides new perspectives on coexistence in Burkina Faso. He highlighted the reciprocal integration and sharing between the Yarse and Moose, contributing to social stability.
Yameogo, a French teacher at Marien-N'Gouabi High School in Ouagadougou, has now earned his doctorate in African cultural studies. His research contributes to a deeper understanding of intercultural dynamics and appreciation of the tangible and intangible heritage of the Moogho people.
The study underscores Burkina Faso's cultural diversity and the dialogue between its identities. It opens avenues for considering harmonious coexistence within the Moogho region. Guigmtenga, located in the province of Namentenga, is the focus of this research, which received the highest distinction and the jury's congratulations, chaired by Professor Issa Daouda Abdoul Aziz of Abdou-Moumouni University in Niamey, Niger.