The Book Began

Transliterated title: Kitaaboo Foloota.

The manuscript is a Mandinka Ajami poem titled Kitaaboo Foloota (English: The Book Began), which alludes to the beginning of the Quran. The poem praises God and Prophet Muḥammad and teaches tawḥid (English: oneness of God). The poem is very popular among Mandinka scholars and has been found in several collections.

Custodial history: The owner received it from a friend thirty years ago in Bijini in Guinea Bissau.

Extent and format of original material: 16 pages.

Physical characteristics: Unbound manuscript. Due to damage to some of the pages, some of the text may be difficult to read. The manuscript is written on small paper.

Owner(s) of original material: Ibrahima Bayo.

Scribe of original material: Ibrahima Bayo.

Additional script information: Mandinka Ajami.