ABSTRACT
Chapter 3 focuses on the theory and the meaning of Mandinka dances. It illustrates how Mandinka dance systems can facilitate cultural continuity, uncover hidden historical cannons, and display recent developments in Mandinka culture. Chapter 3 provides a method for “reading” Mandinka dance, and thus emphasizes the interpretation of Mandinka dance systems. The chapter also provides a cultural and historical analysis of Mandinka dances. It utilizes specific dances as examples and reveals and discusses the cultural, historical, and philosophical tenets housed within them. Additionally, the process through which dance has been created and utilized by women and how the study of such gives birth to new insights regarding gender roles in Africa is also addressed in the chapter.
