Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Malinké
The Malinké (in some areas synonymous with, or closely related to, the Mandinka or
Mandingo) are part of the larger Mande group, which also includes the Bambara and
Soninké and is believed to have originated as early as 4000 years ago when agricultural
peoples of the southern Sahara merged with the indigenous hunter-gatherers of the Niger
River basin. Today, the Malinké are known as prolific traders and live in southern Mali as
well as northern Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal and The Gambia. Historically, they were
famed hunters and warriors, and were prominent converts to Islam from the 11th century.
In the mid-13th century the Malinké founded the powerful Empire of Mali.
Originally the Malinké were divided into 12 clans, each with its own king and highly
stratified castes. The heads of these 12 clans formed a royal council, which elected a single
leader, known as a
mansa
. The traditional hunter societies of the Malinké, with their secret
initiation rites, still thrive today.
Music also accompanies almost all of the important events in Malinké life and its tradi-
tion of
jelis
or
griots
(praise singers) dates back to the days of the Empire of Mali.
Griots
were traditionally the custodians of West Africa's oral traditions and many born into the
griot
caste now rank among Mali's most famous musicians.
