Folk Tales and Fables from The Gambia
SynopsisPlot
The fight between Massaneh Ceesay & Bakary Niuminko for the hand of the beautiful Banjulian girl, Fatou, has been a popular legend in The Gambia. The two men used marabouts notable in their mystic powers to win the young lady. Who did she choose? Koochi Barama is a story that transcends all the Gambian tribes. He was a close childhood friend of the king of Sabach. Koochi lived with his two wives. This story shows how lies and betrayal can affect close relationships. In the olden days, rulers used to forge alliances and exchange experiences. The close bond between the kings of Niamanty and Burawulay was well respected. Thus when the king of Niamanty died, his friend was consulted in the administration of his estate. T
Story
About this book
Folk Tales and Fables from The Gambia is a second volume of traditional stories collected by Dembo Fanta Bojang and Sukai Mbye Bojang. It gathers myths and fables from across the country's communities. One is the well-known legend of Massaneh Ceesay and Bakary Niuminko, rivals for the hand of a young Banjulian woman named Fatou, each seeking help from marabouts, Muslim religious figures credited with spiritual power.
Another tale follows Koochi Barama, a figure known across Gambian ethnic groups. He was a childhood friend of the king of Sabach and lived with his two wives, and his story traces how lies and betrayal can damage close relationships. A further account describes the respected bond between the kings of Niamanty and Burawulay, rulers who exchanged experience and formed alliances. When the king of Niamanty died, his friend was consulted on his estate.
The Gambia is a narrow country that follows the lower Gambia River through West Africa, with Banjul at its mouth. Written collections such as this one set down narratives that have long been carried by speech, keeping names, places, and family disputes attached to particular towns and kingdoms.
