THE MARRIAGE CULTURE OF THE MANDINKA

The Mandinka are a sizable and influential people group in the West African nations of Gambia, Senegal, Guinea, and Mali. Their marital practices are steeped in history and rituals that have been handed down through the ages.

Marriage in Mandinka culture is seen as a holy bond between two families, not just two individuals. The search for a life mate is a family affair, with parents and other elders having a vital role in the final selection. Once a compatible couple has been identified, their families will give each other presents and discuss the details of the marriage.

The wedding ceremony itself is a lavish celebration with plenty of music, dancing, and decorations. The bride and groom wear traditional garb, and a religious authority or respected elder performs the event. The community gathers to see the couple say their vows and then blesses them.

After the wedding, the bride and husband typically move in with the groom’s family, where she is expected to settle into her new position as a wife and mother. The man works to support his family, while the woman tends to the home and the children.

The Mandinka wedding ceremony is a stunning and elaborate ritual that highlights the significance of family and community in the Mandinka way of life.