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The Culture, Traditions, and Heritage of Mali

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Mali culture is made more interesting by ethnic diversity. The many different tribal groups found across the land have imparted distinct contribution to the cultural chest of the nation. Unlike other African ethnic groups though, Malian tribes co-exist peacefully without any tension. Perhaps, it is for the reason that unifying elements exist such as architecture, literature, and music.

Malian nation is characterized by diverse ethnic groups. These include 31% Bambara (farmers or artists found in Bandiagara and Douentza), 5% Dogon (animist and artistic locals in the southeast), 10% Fula Macina (tradesmen or herdsmen found in Mopti City), 6% Sanghai (dominant ethnic in the east), and 7% Soninke (farmers and herdsmen in the east). Also, there is the Tuareg tribe in the north composed of artistic and brave natives.

Similar to most of West African people, Malians are music enthusiasts. They are fond of traditional and contemporary music. Native Malian music described as “Jalis” is passed on by Griots that perform tributary songs. Conversely, Modern Malian music comes in African pop music which has developed many followers through the years. Traditional instruments utilized in making music are Kamal Ngoni (six-string guitar), Djembe (deerhide drum), and other drum variants.

Other unifying cultural elements are architecture, literature, and festivals. Malian architecture employs West Sudanese building style making use of sun-baked clay bricks which is exhibited in Mosques found in Djenne and Mopti. Malian literature features an oral tradition of historical heritage archived in mere memory although there are some well-renowned authors writing about national ancestry, too. Celebrated festivals are either of spiritual or cultural origin but nonetheless feature native music, dances, and ceremonies.