Culture and Customs of Mali (2012) [CULTURE AND CUSTOMS OF AFRICA]

Touching on everything from its rich musical heritage to its varied cultural traditions, this is a thorough and accessible introduction to the contemporary lives of the different peoples who call Mali their home. Rated among the world's ten poorest nations, Mali has a glorious past and a less-certain present. Culture and Customs of Mali touches on the first as background for understanding the second, exploring multiple facets of contemporary social life and cultural practices in this landlocked, West African nation. The book offers an overview of diverse aspects of everyday social, cultural, and religious life in Mali, paying particular attention to regional and ethnic variations. It shows how current social conventions and cultural values are the product of a centuries-long history, while at the same time dispels the common perception that African societies are rooted in unchanging tradition. Readers will come away with a better understanding of the multiple ways in which Malians, starting from their own customs and cultural foundations, integrate themselves into an international economic order and a globalized world of shared media images and cultural practices. Untitled......Page 1 Contents......Page 8 Series Foreword......Page 10 Acknowledgments......Page 12 Chronology......Page 14 1. Introduction......Page 18 2. Religion and Worldview......Page 40 3. Literature and Media......Page 60 4. Art and Architecture......Page 80 5. Cuisine and Dress......Page 102 6. Gender Roles, Marriage, and Family......Page 126 7. Social Customs and Lifestyle......Page 150 8. Music, Dance, and Performing Arts......Page 176 Annotated Bibliography......Page 198 Index......Page 212 Presents The History, Religion, Culture, Social History, People, And Arts Of Mali. Religion And Worldview -- Literature And Media -- Art And Architecture -- Cuisine And Dress -- Gender Roles, Marriage, And Family -- Social Customs And Lifestyle -- Music, Dance, And Performing Arts. Dorothea E. Schulz. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [181]-194) And Index.