Serer-Noon

The Serer-Noon also called Noon (sometimes spelt Non or None) are an ethnic people who occupy western Senegal. They are part of the Serer people though they do not speak the Serer-Sine language natively.

They are found primarily in Senegal in the region of Thiès in areas like Fandène, Peykouk, Silman, Diankhène and Dioung. As well as being present in Senegal, they are also found in the Gambia.

In the Thies area alone, their population is 32,900. Collectively, the Serer people make-up the third largest ethnic group in Senegal.

In his Sketches of Senegal (1853), Abbé Boilat described them as "the most beautiful black people... tall and beautiful posture... who are always well dressed, very strong and independent" During the 19th century muslim marabout jihads in Senegambia, the Serer-Noon resisted being islamized and continued to practice their beliefs to present. In the 1860s, Pinet Laprade, then the French governor of Senegal, and Captain Vincent described the Serer-Noon men as "fierce and cruel to foreigners" (the French). They only traded with other Serers through barter and recented the authority of foreigners. Of all the Senegambian ethnic groups, the Noons were among the most independent during the colonial period. The Noons also refused to pay taxes to the French administration of Senegal in the 19th century and launched many wars and massacres of the French. To force them to pay tax to the French administration in Senegal, sometimes violence was used against them. In Noon country, their head of state were the Lamanes. The Lamane managed the Noon towns and villages, and each village was an independent republic. The Lamanes in Noon country were the oldest men chosen from particular families. Although these Lamanes must not be confused with the ancient Serer Lamanes (the old powerful kings and landed gentry), the Lamanes in Noon country were very powerful during the colonia period.

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