Malinké

Malinké refers to a West African ethnic group primarily found in Guinea, Mali, and Ivory Coast, with smaller populations in Senegal, Gambia, and Burkina Faso. They are part of the larger Mandé peoples and are historically known for their rich cultural heritage and significant role in the medieval Mali Empire. The Malinké language, also known as Mandinka, belongs to the Niger-Congo language family and is spoken by millions across West Africa.

Traditionally, Malinké society was structured around a hierarchical system, with nobility, farmers, and artisans. They are renowned for their oral traditions, including griots who are storytellers, praise singers, and historians. Music and dance are integral to Malinké culture, with distinctive instruments like the kora, a harp-lute, playing a central role in ceremonies and daily life.

Historically, the Malinké were instrumental in the rise and administration of the Mali Empire, which was one of the largest empires in West Africa during the Middle Ages. Figures like Sundiata Keita, the founder of the Mali Empire, are central to their historical narrative. Their economic activities have traditionally centered on agriculture, growing crops such as millet, sorghum, rice, and yams. Trade also played a significant role, particularly during the era of the trans-Saharan trade routes. Islam has been the dominant religion among the Malinké for centuries, though traditional beliefs and practices often coexist with Islamic faith.