ABSTRACT
The Biafada language is part of the Tenda-Jaad-Nun subgroup of the northern branch of West Atlantic languages. Biafada traders linked Mande trade routes at the heads of navigation of the rivers and their tributaries. Badour's Mandinka ruler, like the Biafada ruler of Guinala, was subordinate to the ruler of the Mandinka state of Cantor, whose territory extended along the south bank of the upper Gambia River. Biafada probably also obtained gold from Mandinka in exchange for kola, some of which was carried south in coastwise commerce destined for Sapi burial hoards. Banyun trade routes linked Jagra with Niominka riverine traders in Brefet Creek, Vintang Creek, and other southern tributaries of the Gambia River. The Niominka had extensive commerce with the Banyun states of Foni and Jagra via Brefet and Vintang creeks, the northern termini of the network of marigots, creeks, and portages linking the Casamance and Cacheu rivers.
