Transliterated title: Ismoo Kitaaboo.
The manuscript is a manual designed to addess many social problems. It contains various numerological figures, prayers, and recipes to address: health-related issues, popularity, chasing away malicious people, protection from witchcraft, enhancing one’s mind and intelligence, protection from thieves, recipes for wealth and a long life, and other issues related to people’s wellbeing. Each page begins with an explanation of the numerological formula and the accompanying special prayer in Arabic, and ends with directions on how to use the formula in Mandinka Ajami. The notes in Mandinka Ajami seem to have been added later. Sometimes, the Mandinka notes are written with the Roman script. Thus, the manual includes three forms of literacies: classical Arabic literacy, Mandinka Ajami literacy, and Latin script literacy. The numerological figures require special mathematical skills. The document is an important working manual for local religious leaders, diviners, and healers. Similar traditions are found across Muslim Africa and in other parts of the Muslim world.
Custodial history: The owner inherited it from his grandfather, Cheikh Bourama Yaffa. He was a Mandinka scholar. He was born in Gabu, Guinea-Bissau. He had an advanced Islamic education and served as a Quranic teacher and a marabout (healer, religious leader, and diviner) until his death in Soukoutoto in Senegal.
Extent and format of original material: 101 pages.
Physical characteristics: Unbound manuscript kept in an unrelated red book cover titled "SOCIETÉ GÉNÉRAL". Due to the manuscript's age, chipped edges, water stains, torn pages, and ink stains, some text may be difficult to read.
Owner(s) of original material: Ibrahima Yaffa.
Author(s) of original material: Cheikh Bourama Yaffa.
Additional script information: Mandinka Ajami.
