African Folklore: An Encyclopedia - Marshalls University

African folklore 328
Installation of regional chief Bakari
Sanya in Faraba Banta, The Gambia,
Oct. 2, 1991. On left: Adama Suso,
Mandinka, jalimuso, or griotte, playing
the karinya or newo, a small metal pipe
with striker. On right: Ma Lamini
Jobarteh, Mandinka, jali, or griot,
playing the 21-stringed kora, a type of
bridge harp. Photo © Thomas A.Hale.
Traditionally, the profession of griot was passed down from father to son and mother
to daughter. In fact, griots and griottes learn from a variety of sources, such as other
parents, friends, other griots encountered during travels, and even music heard on the
radio. A typical career itinerary might include the absorption of the sounds and activities
of griot life from childhood on, participation as a backup singer or musician at
ceremonies during youth, apprenticeship with a master during the late teen years, travel
across West Africa while in their twenties and thirties, and then a return home to perform
in their forties for wealthy patrons and sometimes even heads of state. By this time, the