Uthando Nolove

Mandé

The Mandé peoples are ethnic groups who are speakers of Mande languages. Various Mandé speaking ethnic groups are found particularly toward the west of West Africa. The Mandé-speaking languages are divided into two primary groups: East Mandé and West Mandé. The Mandinka or Malinke, a western branch of the Mandé, are credited with the founding of the largest ancient West African empires. Other large Mandé speaking ethnicities include the Soninke and Susu as well as smaller ethnic groups such as the Ligbi, Vai, and Bissa. Mandé-speaking people inhabit the sparse Sahel. They have a wide range of cuisines, cultures, and beliefs. They are organized mainly by their language group. Today, they are predominantly Muslim and follow a caste system. Islam has played a c… more »