Memory and Knowledge: The Story of Sundiata Keita
Vocabulary & Key Terms:
- Bard
- Cultural Heritage
- Djeli/Jeli
- Epic
- Griot
- Intangible
- Mali
- Sundiata Keita
- Mande (people)
- Epic
- Mande Charter
- Transsaharan trade
- Oral history
Student Context:
In the kingdom of Mali in West Africa, a great story has been transmitted for over an astounding 800 years about the great leader and founder of Mali and the Mande peoples, King Sundiata Keita. The story of Sundiata is important because it tells of the foundation of the Mali empire and gives us insight into how Malian society was organized. The Mande charter, also known as Kurukan Fuga, was created under his reign in 1235. It is one of the world’s first constitutions.
The life of Sundiata, often called the Lion King, is considered an epic. In an epic story, there is often a young leader who must earn his worthiness by overcoming an obstacle. Sundiata’s story, like many epics, has been passed from generation to generation. An important group in Mande society, the bards, also known as Jelis/Djelis or griots, were the storytellers, and the keepers of this royal history. As a result, there is a mix of historical elements and aspects added by people as they told and retold the story through the oral tradition. The epic is one of the most vibrant and dynamic stories that has been passed down from generation to generation on the continent. It has been transmitted through recitation, song and storytelling often accompanied by the Balafon, an instrument like a xylophone. Sundiata’s story was passed down orally until D.T. Niane recorded it in 1960. The importance of King Sundiata’s life and the principles outlined in the Mande Charter continue to resonate within Mande society even in modern times.