Author Question: What was the basic duty of a jali before our era? How did his duties change after the Gambia became ... (Read 51 times)

newbem · **on:** Jul 25, 2018

What was the basic duty of a jali before our era? How did his duties change after the Gambia became a British protectorate in 1894?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Where do the jalolu fit within the Mande system of social rank and its associated roles?

What will be an ideal response?

millet · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

The basic duty of a jali was to accompany a king and sing his praises (literally), bringing the historical and mythic past into the lives of the living. After the Gambia became a British protectorate in 1894, the wealth of the royals was reduced to the point that their patronage alone could not support a jali. Jalolu now had to augment their incomes by freelancing at social occasions (weddings, etc.).

Answer to Question 2

Being freeborn (not slave), jalolu are included among the craft specialists who are separate from non-specialists (royals, merchants, etc.) who are a jali's prospective patrons.