Dununba

“In former times, I was told, the dununba dances were carried out as a means of settling power conflicts between age groups; often a younger age group, dissatisfied with what were perceived as lesser rights and freedom in comparison to an older age group, would challenge the power of the other, hoping to supersede them in the village. The event would result in a day-long and sometimes bloody contest, witnessed by the whole village, and would end only when one age group finally submitted to the other. In this way, the winning group was determined—and the conflict was brought to a public and permanent close, ensuring that the village would not be plagued by incessant quarreling. Today, the ongoing tradition of the dance continues to signify these social hierarchies between age groups, but is now carried out in a playful but showy display of the strength of the men, without real fighting. The event still lasts the entire day, with only short pauses, and requires great stamina and fitness from the participants.”

“From the opposite side of the courtyard, a second line of dancers approaches, and the two groups circle the bara in opposing directions until they meet in front of the drummers. Suddenly the rhythm grows fast and intense; the échauffment of the rhythm marks the “heating up” of the dance, and the men respond in a show of strength and athleticism that will continue to rise and fall throughout the rest of the day and into the evening. This impressive public display will test the endurance and strength of the dancers, but the dununba is more than a mere spectacle for showing off; the event is representative of the vitality of the village itself. If the men dance well, the people will be encouraged that the village itself is strong and in good health. The well-being of one is the well-being of the whole community. It can be no other way.”

“In Manden culture, it is believed that children learn best through direct experience with both the community and the natural world, and when they are left largely to their own devices. Granting a child the opportunity to observe and participate in all village events, and the freedom to engage in unlimited creative play with other children, are both favored over direct instruction.”