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Cambridge University Press International African Institute
Cambridge University Press International African Institute
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Summary
JOKING RELATIONSHIPS IN WEST AFRICA
THEexistence of a kind of joking relationshipin West Africa, especially
among the Mandingo, Fulani and Toucouleurs tribes, was alreadyknown
thirtyyearsago. It is reallyan alliancebetween clans whose membersmust
help each other and who have the right to insult each other without con-
sequence.
This phenomenon seems to be widespreadin this part of Africa and is
found among many tribes in the Upper Volta and in French Sudan. Some
simply organizedtribes composed of four clans are divided into two classes
whose membersboth insult and aid each other. The same thing is seen in
other cases, and we may consider that joking relationshipsexist between
cousins, between members of allied clans, and between representativesof
differenttribes. The relationbetween cousins is observedin a great many
Volta tribes; it is very evident among the Fulani and the Wolof where two
gradesexist, the membersof one being calledsange,those of the otherdyamin
Wolof, that is mastersand slaves, and the former receive services from the
latterwhom they rewardwith presents.
Between allied clans the joking relationship exists between two clans
which form a gamuin Wolof, the membersof which are divided into sange
and dyamas happensin the family. The dyammust serve the sangeat the time
of the Mohammedanfestivals: they kill the animalsand cook the food and
receive presentsin return. The dyamis concernedin all mattersinteresting
the family of his sangeand especiallyin marriages. He discussesthe amount
of the dowry and conducts the young woman to her husband'shouse and
placesher on the marriagebed. The dyam'swife assistsat the birth of a child
and carriesthe childthe firsttime it goes out.
The dyamprocureslabourersfor his sange'sfields, takes chargeof the sow-
ing and harvest,collects the grain,takesit to marketand sells it. He playsan
important part again at the death of the elders and adults of his sange's
family. For all these servicesthe dyamreceivesa presentin proportionto his
work on each occasion.
The same relation noted between clans is found also among tribes, and
s