Instructor: Fanta Barrow

Country: The Gambia

Slogan: The Smiling Coast of Africa

Tribe: The Mandinka Tribe

Introduction to Mandinka People

The Mandinka tribe, descendants of the Mande people of western Africa, now primarily reside in The Gambia, Senegal, and Guinea-Bissau. The Mandinka people possesses a rich cultural heritage that is beautifully expressed through their traditional dance forms.

Rhythms and Music

The kora, a traditional string instrument, is integral to Mandinka culture. It features a large gourd resonator covered with cow skin, a long hardwood neck, and 21 strings. The mesmerizing and melodic sound of the kora accompanies storytelling, praise songs, and traditional dances, enriching Mandinka music.

The Tantango Drum Ensemble, consisting of accompaniment drums like the kutiriba and kutirindingo, provides rhythmic accompaniment for many Mandinka occasions. The sabaro, a lead drum, directs the ensemble, creating a vibrant and engaging musical experience.

Community and Celebration

Mandinka dances are central to life-cycle rituals, agricultural events, and recreational activities like wrestling. Bantabas, social events held in village centers or crossroads, often feature traditional Mandinka dances, accompanied by singing and celebration.

Costumes and Attire

Traditional Mandinka attire includes tie and dye batik material worn as wrappers (faano) or sewn into flowing boubous for women, along with colorful beads and headties. These garments are worn at weddings, naming ceremonies, and other significant events, adding to the visual richness of Mandinka culture.

Showcase Dance Performance

Students will learn a dance to a song by Jaliba Kuyateh, a renowned griot and kora player from The Gambia. The song praises the hospitality of the Mandinka people of Guinea Bissau, likening it to the renowned hospitality of the Gambian people. Through this performance, students will explore themes of gratitude, cultural acceptance, and community, gaining a deeper appreciation for Mandinka traditions and culture.

By participating in this curriculum, students will not only learn the art of Mandinka dance but also gain insight into the cultural heritage and traditions of the Mandinka tribe in The Gambia.