The epic of Kelefaa Saane / Sirifo Camara ; edited and translated by Sana Camara.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Camara, Sirifo.

Contributor:

Camara, Sana, 1959-

Series:

African epic series.

African epic series

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Mandingo poetry--Translations into English.

Mandingo poetry.

Saane, Kelefa--Poetry.

Saane, Kelefa.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (222 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Bloomington : Indiana University Press, c2010.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

This powerful and popular epic honors the legendary warrior prince of Kaabu and Mandinka cultural hero, Kelefaa Saane. A standard of the griot repertoire, the epic of Kelefaa Saane is customarily taught to young performers at the beginning of their careers. Sirifo Camara's masterful recitation was recorded in Dakar in 1987. It has been transcribed in Mandinka and is translated into English here for the first time. The epic, as it describes Kelefaa's life and exploits, relates what it means to be Mandinka. Kelefaa's extraordinary prowess and virtue derive from the political, social, moral, and theological founding myths of the Mandinka people. This beautiful and engaging performance provides a unique perspective on the intellectual and literary heritage of West Africa.

Contents:

Intro

Contents

Preface and Acknowledgments

Introduction

Note on Spelling and Pronunciation

THE EPIC

Annotations to the Mandinka Text

Bibliography

Index.

Notes:

In its written form, The Epic of Kelefaa Saane is a faithful transcription and translation of the performance of Sirifo Camara. The epic was recorded in the city of Dakar, Senegal, in 1987 by Boundiaye Jiite, an important patron of Senegambian music.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

1-282-57701-8

9786612577017

0-253-00424-1

OCLC:

664127167