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Takhar orTaahkarr (inSerer andCangin) is a demi-god in theSerer religion worshipped by manySerers (an ethnic group found inSenegal, theGambia andMauritania).[1][2] Takhar is the god ofjustice andvengeance in Serer religion[1][3] and worshipped at the foot of certaintrees in theforest deemed to besacred.[2][4] TheSerer priestly class play a crucial role in the evokation of thedemi-god and the implementation of its laws that devotees adhere to.[2][4]
TheSerer people worship Takhar in order to appeal to him against the injuries, oppression or evil magic inflicted by other.[5] Takhar is worshipped at the foot of trees,[2][5] and in thenew moon, the atmospheric spirits of theair andnight are "conjured with mysteriousincarnations".[5] Offerings to Takhar are deposited at the foot of the tallest trees in the forest.Cattle andpoultry are sacrificed and taken to the sacred sanctuary, along withmillet, fruits and vegetables.[2][5] Like the offerings to certainPangool (singular :Fangool, theSerer saints andspirits represented by snakes), the holy feast takes place in the sacred forest.[5]
The snake also held a high place in the national pantheon, and was often known to appear in various disguises, even "assuming the uniform of an aged officer of the empire" [Second Empire].[5]
Thetransmigration of souls is a strongly held belief inSerer religion as evident in Serer funeral rituals.[5]
The god Takhar is worshipped in theforests inSerer country, more specifically, in certainsacred places, such as theSine-Saloum area of present-daySenegal. Somewhat similar to thePangool, the Serer people believe that both Takhar and his adversaryTiurakh (god of wealth[4][6] and property[2]) reside in the tallesttrees of the forest.[2][4][6] It is partly for this reason why plants and animals are regarded astotems in the Serer-totemic and sentientworldly-view of nature in general, and afforded high spiritual status and respect, because these ancient trees are believed to be the sanctuaries of certain Serer entities.[6]
The high priests of Takhar are usually very old men from notableSerer families. These Serer high priests preside over allcases relating tolaw and order, i.e. theft, witchcraft, etc.[2] In the past, these high priests (theSaltigues) would concoct doses of poison which they would administer to the accused witch, taken orally. However, these concoctions were deliberately never made fatal enough to cause death.[2] These high priests mostly depended on the fear of Takhar as dispenser of justice and vengeance, than their poisons.[2]
As the god ofjustice, Takhar is the perpetual patron of all those who work within thejudiciary and pass judgement on legal issues.[1][2] InSerer ancient history, that role was primarily reserved for theSerer lamanic class.[7]
