SOAS Research Online

Abstract

Grounded in rich interview material recorded in Leiden, this article documents the artistry, passion, and professional dedication of a group of Malian craftsmen. In their own words (translated and transcribed from Bamanakan into English), five mud masons of Djenné deliberate upon training regimes, the growing importance of literacy and numeracy in their practice, competition and intergenerational conflict, the role of secrets in building construction, and new trajectories and contemporary challenges in the trade. In reflecting upon the current crises, their discussion also contributes to an understanding of ordinary people's struggles, ambitions, and changing life strategies during this difficult period in the nation's history. Nin gafé nin sèmèlen bè an ka nyininkalibala, min kèra Leideni; w'a bè kuma Mali bololabaarakèlaba dòw de ka seko, dòniya an'u ka baara dusu de kan. Nin kòròfòli kònò (n'o bayèlèmana angilèkan na ka bò bamanankan na) Jene bògò masòn duuru b'u hakilila di fèn minnu kan o de y'u ka degeli tabolo, kalan ni jate dònni nafa, nyògòndan, danfara min bè mògò kòròbaw ni denmisènw ka ko kè cogo cè, ani masònya gundow marali nafa, fo ka taa se sisan ko kuraw ni tabolo kuraw gèlèya ma u ka baara kònò. U da selen fitinaw ma, o masala y'an dèmè k'a famuyalikè u ka tòoròya, u haminakow kan ani fèerèw minnu latigèlen b'u fè nin waati gèlèmanba ni na u ka jamana kònò.