The Soninke people are found in Mali, Mauritania, Senegal, Guinea and The Gambia. We read two stories:
The First Bard Among the Soninke
Kirama and Kankejan
The stories explore themes such as sacrifices made out of love (CW for cannibalism), respect and generosity towards the disadvantaged, and the origin of Soninke bard (or griots).
Fun Fact: Kirama and Kankejan is an alternate telling of the story of the Buffalo of Do, which leads into the the story of Sogolon, Mother of Sundiata Keita!
Story Source:
The Crest and the Hide, and Other African Stories of Heroes, Chiefs, Bards, Hunters, Sorcerers, and Common People by Harold Courlander.
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