Kocc Barma Fall

Kocc Barma Fall, born Birima Maxuréja Demba Xolé Faal (1586-1655) was a Senegalese philosopher. He is considered to be the greatest Senegalese thinker and philosopher and one of the prominent figures of African philosophy. David Murphy states that "Kocc Barma's words and acts have passed into Senegalese folklore to such an extent that proverbs are often introduced by the phrase 'Kocc Barma said', whether this is true or not". His fertile imagination, his quick wit and his metaphorical sayings are part of the universe of Wolof culture. During his lifetime he was particularly concerned about the injustice of Damels, whom he viewed as tyrannical.