ABSTRACT
Chapter 1 discusses where the Mandinka fit within a larger group of Mande-speaking people and how they emerged as a dominant cultural force in the Senegambia region of West Africa. Thus, the origin of the Mali empire and its role in the inception of Mandinka culture is critically examined. Chapter 1 also addresses the expansion of the empire and the creation of the Mande diaspora in Senegambia as a result. Finally, the formation of Mandinka cultural structures from Mande culture and the ensuing process through which Mandinka dance was created is discussed. Essentially, Chapter 1 explains how Mandinka dance systems emerged and how they spread throughout the Senegambia region of West Africa.
