Devotional Poetry and Inheritance in Mandinka Ajami

Transliterated title: Suukuwo aniŋ Keetaala.

Contains four small Mandinka Ajami manuscripts. The newest one is a poem dedicated to Kemo Thiam, a friend of the author (El-hadji Seckou Toure). The poet urges his friend not to be far from his family and to follow Islamic recommendations in whatever situation he may find himself. The second document is a poem dedicated to El-hadji Amath Cisse. It is also written by El-hadji Seckou Toure who is the spiritual leader and a close friend of El-Hadji Amath Cisse, a local politician. The poet prays for his friend and encourages him to pursue his political ambitions to become a member of the Senegalese national parliament. The third document is a copy of a poem by Arfang Sitookoto Dabo, the most famous Mandinka Ajami poet of Senegambia. The poet invites people to be united and to cultivate virtues of compassion and forgiveness as taught by Prophet Muḥammad. The last document is a poem dealing with the rules of inheritance to avoid unfair distribution of the properties of deceased people among their heirs. It was written by Cheikh El-hadji Sidiya Drame, the father of the current owner.

Custodial history: The owner inherited the documents from his father's young brother, El-hadji Seckou Toure, who was born in Boudhie-Senghere. He later relocated to Pakao-Tourecounda where he founded the first Quranic school and lived there until his death.

Extent and format of original material: 11 pages.

Physical characteristics: Unbound manuscript.

Owner(s) of original material: El-hadji Keba Toure.

Author(s) of original material: El-hadji Seckou Toure; Arfang Sitookoto Dabo; Cheikh Sidiya Toure.

Additional script information: Mandinka Ajami.