Mande
Mande refers to a significant language family that encompasses various languages such as Maninka, Bamana, Dyula, Khasonka, Kuranko, Vai, Kono, and Ligbi, primarily spoken in West Africa. The origins of the Mande language can be traced back to the Neolithic period along the Niger River, specifically on the border between Guinea and Mali. The Proto-Mande language is believed to have emerged around 5000 BCE, coinciding with the establishment of early agricultural settlements in the region. Trade interactions with Berbers in North Africa, beginning around 2000 BCE, played a crucial role in the formation of Mande kingdoms from 1000 BCE to 600 CE.
Mande society is characterized by a dual structure comprising the Horonw and the Nyamakalaw. The Horonw are primarily agriculturalists, encompassing rulers, soldiers, and commoners, while the Nyamakalaw serve as spiritual intermediaries, overseeing the life force known as Nyama. This group engages in the creation of masks and figures for rituals performed by the Horonw to harness Nyama. Significantly, the Nyamakalaw are also skilled blacksmiths, a role that is deeply intertwined with their spiritual responsibilities. This rich cultural framework reflects the historical and spiritual significance of the Mande people, emphasizing the interconnectedness between their social roles and the broader cosmological beliefs.
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Mande
Related civilization: West Africa.
Also known as: Mali.
Date: c. 4000 b.c.e.-700 c.e.
Locale: Sub-Saharan West Africa
Mande
The Mande language family includes Maninka, Bamana, Dyula, Khasonka, Kuranko, Vai, Kono, and Ligbi. The Mande language first developed along the Niger River on the border of Guinea and Mali.
Proto-Mande speakers lived during the Neolithic period, as indicated by words that dealt with food production. The date of origin for the Proto-Mande language, 5000 b.c.e., corresponds to the beginnings of Neolithic settlements in this area. Trade between Berbers in North Africa, beginning about 2000 b.c.e., led to development of Mande kingdoms between 1000 b.c.e. and 600 c.e.
Mande society consisted of two divisions: The Horonw were agriculturalists and made up the rulers, soldiers, and commoners. The Nyamakalaw controlled the life force, Nyama, and acted as contacts with the spirit world. They carved masks and figures and made costumes for use in rituals performed by the Horonw to control Nyama. Nyamakalaw also were the blacksmiths because the working of iron manipulates Nyama. This duality can be traced to the Mande creation stories in which the blacksmith/carver is often the first person on earth and therefore possesses special powers.
Bibliography
Gillon, Werner. A Short History of African Art. New York: Facts On File, 1984.
Hodges, Carleton, ed. Papers on the Manding. Bloomington: University of Indiana, 1971.
Mukhtar, Muhammad Jamal al-Din, ed. Ancient Civilizations of Africa. London: Heinemann, 1992.