The Laughing Culture of the Peoples of Mali and Guinea (Senankuya)

Abstract

Laughter in the culture of the peoples of Mali and Guinea is not only the way of communication, but it also serves to consolidation of society and to the self-identification of its members. This article discusses the main aspect of the laugh culture of Bamanas, Maninkas and Dogons, inhabiting Mali and Guinea, – joking relationships between different social and kin groups. Such relations are between dyamus and ethnic groups, between cousins, people of the same age class, brothers-in-law, as well as grandfathers, grandmothers and grandchildren. All such relations have explanations in the tradition and serve to neutralize any possible contradictions in relations, as well as to promote free communication between representatives of neighboring peoples and groups with different status. In general, the joking relationships are the same for all West African peoples, but there are some differences. For example, there are at least two degrees of joking relationships among the Dogon: by consanguinity, brotherhood, and neighborhood. According to the authors’ deep conviction, based on observations made during numerous expeditions of the Institute of Oriental Studies, RAS, to Mali, only those relations do not allow the conflict in the Dogon Country to turn into a full-scale civil war. Given the huge role of traditions in the lives of the Manden and neighboring peoples, systems such as Senankuya and Jamu should still be involved in resolving conflicts, both social and inter-ethnic. The institution of joking relationships in Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso has not only survived, but has also been able to integrate itself into modern political culture. It is important to note that its impact on both the political and social life of West African societies is most positive: it is Senankuya that prevents conflicts from taking extreme forms.