1 Introduction

This chapter discusses the Manden peoples' complex social system and the dyamu clan names system. It describes the dyamu institution and how the Bamana and Maninka explain the meaning and origin of the institution, emphasizing that dyamu is not a caste but rather a kinship system. The chapter also highlights the importance of griots and leaders' families in preserving information about dyamu and senankuya. Additionally, it explains the relationships and stories associated with different dyamu groups and senankuya histories. The chapter concludes with an overview of the emergence of the dyamu institute according to oral tradition.

2 The Charter of Kurukan Fuga

The Charter of Kurukan Fuga, adopted in 1236 after the victory of Sunjata Keita, is an agreement that determines the order and organization of the society in the Mali Empire. It is the main oral document that defines the relationship among the Manden peoples, concerning the interaction rules in the Manden society. The Charter's main statements confirm the dyamu system (the basic structure of society), which is important for the Manden self-identification and African people’s realization of their role in the modern world system. It provides evidence of the existence of the Charter even before the 20th century through interviews conducted in Guinea. The Charter lays out the division of society into various clans and professions, and its main points are focused on the dyamu division. The Charter is considered an early declaration of human rights and an agreement that promotes humane treatment among people.

3 The structure of the dyamu system

Chapter 3 discusses the structure of the dyamu system, focusing on the freemen hɔrɔn and the caste men nyamakala. It explores the relationship between dyamu and ethnicity, as well as the history of the Mali Empire foundation. The chapter also explains how people from other ethnic groups can join the dyamu system and the connection between the dyamu system and the senankuya tradition.

4 Senankuya

This chapter discussed the senankuya institute and the types of joking relationships within the Manden society. It explores how senankuya allows groups to avoid tensions and make communication more open and equal through humor and play. The chapter also examines the expansion and nuances of the senankuya system among different ethnic groups in Mali. Additionally, it sheds light on the complex system of relationships in the Manden society, particularly in relation to the Union of Hunters and their connections with the ruling system, sorcerers, and family fetishes. Finally, the chapter highlights the evolving significance of senankuya and the growing extension of these relationships to different faiths.

5 The role of dyamu and senankuya in the Manden society

The dyamu system is a way to organize the Mali Empire, integrating Soninke, Susu, and Fula families into the Manden peoples. Different regions of Mali and Guinea have different dyamu sets and lists of joking relationship partners. The dyamu system has evolved over time and has expanded to include more clans. The Senankunya system aims to reduce tension in the social interactions of various dyamu and other groups, where inequality is implied. Dyamu is not only the basis of the social organization but also the point of pride for all Manden peoples, as well as their concept of humanity. Identification by dyamu is the most important in the Manden’s self-identification system. The dyamu system carries a significant amount of information about ethnic identification, with nationality and ethnicity fading into the background. The important norms and prohibitions associated with the dyamu system are essential for its existence, such as prohibiting marriages with certain dyamu and establishing marital preferences. The senankuya system is aimed at smoothing out the rigidity of the system and eliminating possible conflicts that could occur in relations between dyamu. The Manden society utilizes mechanisms such as dyamu, division into age classes, initiation tradition, and joking relationships to maintain balance, mitigate internal and external social conflicts, and help members of the community to overcome psychological crises. Joking relationships are viewed at the highest political level and are effectively exploited by the government of Mali.

6 Conclusion

The conclusion discusses the role of Manden humor as a social regulator, affecting society through various emotions. It explores the different ways humor is used within the Dyamu and Senankuya systems, and how these systems are evolving to adapt to modern challenges. The chapter also highlights the significance of these systems for the Manden peoples and the efforts to develop "secondary" Senankuya agreements at the government level in Mali.