Mandinka Ajami Poetry

Transliterated title: Suukuwo. The manuscript is a copy of the original written in Mandinka Ajami by Arfang Boubacar Dabo, also known as Arfang Sitookoto Dabo. Sitookoto Dabo is the most famous Mandinka Ajami poet in Senegambia. His poems are widely known and chanted in Mandinka communities in the region. He was born in Oudoucar in the region of Sedhiou and spent many years in the town of Diao-Soukoutoto before relocating to The Gambia, where he lived until his death. The poem gives tribute to God for His glory and mercy and prays for the faithful. The end of the poem includes a personal note with the French Western calendar date structure ‘le 31 juillet 1996’ (July 31, 1996), written in Mandinka Ajami and the equivalent date in the Mandinka calendar is also provided. There is an additional page in this collection that is not part of the poem. It is a prayer for protection from witchcraft. Custodial history: The owner of the manuscript inherited it from his father, Kalifa Cisse. His father had an advanced Islamic education and served as an Imam and a Quranic teacher in Sankorla-Sorgo in Guinea- Bissau where he lived until his death. Extent and format of original material: 8 pages. Physical characteristics: Unbound manuscript. Due to damage from environmental conditions and ink stains, some of the text may be difficult read. Owner(s) of original material: Arfang Seyni Cisse. Author(s) of original material: Sitokoto Dabo. Additional script information: Mandinka Ajami.