Transliterated title: Ramuloo I.
The manuscript is a copy from the original document written by Saloum Yaffa. It deals with divination techniques (including astrological signs) used to identify people's problems and to find appropriate solutions. The techniques in the document are also used to predict people's furture, anticipate the challenges they might face, and the ways to thwart or overcome them. This art of divination is part of Khatt al-Raml in Arabic, which is very old and popular in Mandinka communities. The popularity of this genre is reflected in the multiple copies and manuscripts dealing with divination and astrology found in Mandinka communities of Casamance. The manuscript is written in Mandinka Ajami with some words in Arabic.The explanation on one page is written in Mandinka with the Roman script.
Custodial history: The owner inherited it from his grandfather Saloum Yaffa after he finished his Islamic studies. Saloum Yaffa was a Mandinka scholar and a marabout (religious leader and healer). He was born in the village of Diebang in the region of Kolda where he spent all his life until his death.
Extent and format of original material: 57 pages.
Physical characteristics: Unbound manuscript.
Owner(s) of original material: Mamadou Biaye.
Author(s) of original material: Saloum Yaffa.
Additional script information: Mandinka Ajami.
