Storyteller of the history of the Mali Empire マリ帝国の歴史を伝える語り部
The Mali Empire was established in West Africa in the 13th century. It prospered through trade with the Sahara, and its capital was praised as the Golden City. The storyteller “Griot” has handed down the “Epic of Sunjata,” the story of the founding of the empire. Griots sing the stories of the hero Sunjata Keita, his archrival Sumaoro Kante, and other founders of various clans. The people of Mande, descendants of the Mali Empire, were moved by the singing and inspired to be proud of their Mande identity. Welcome to the gorgeous world of history, told through songs and storytelling.
What is the griot?（グリオとは？）
The griot is an African storyteller. In Mande, they are referred to as jeli. A griot is a craftsman who specializes in voice; this position is passed down from father to son. As masters of language, they are in charge of conducting ceremonies, serve as advisors to royalty and nobility, mediate disagreements and disputes, and facilitate various forms of linguistic communication. Their most important duties were the transmission of the Sunjata epic and singing praise songs at festivals. The music of the griots was seen as the source of Mande identity.
Musical instruments of the griots（グリオの楽器）
In the Mande community, only griots are allowed to sing along with musical instruments, and they play special instruments reserved for griots. The bala (xylophone) originates from the magical xylophone “soso bala,” owned by Sunjata Keita’s nemesis, Sumaoro Kante. The kora (harp-lute) is a unique Mande instrument made from a large gourd with a pole and 21 strings. The ngoni (small lutes) are widely used in West Africa and are said to have originated from the banjo. Percussion instruments are occasionally used as auxiliary instruments.
Festivals and songs of praise（祭りと誉め歌）
At weddings and other festivals, griots sing “songs of praise” for those in attendance. Each person is linked to the founder of the clan in the Sunjata epic and praised for their heroic deeds. The griot’s voice echoes the glittering garb and the hymns that connect attendees to the history of the Mande. “Who am I? You are the glorious people of Mande.” You give the griot a congratulatory gift to show that you are a proud Mande. The festival is in a frenzy of singing and dancing.
A narrative to be literalized（文字化される物語）
The Epic of Sunjata is the founding history of the Mali Empire, the story of Sunjata Keita’s development, and the story of the clans that comprise Mande society. The stories handed down through the voices of the griots have been adapted into literary works by famous African writers, because of their richness. Three representative works are Niane, Camara Laye, and Massa Makan Diabate. Picture books for children have also been published, and the shift from a “culture of voice” to a “culture of writing” is underway.