Primary Source Of Sundiata

This paper is about the usefulness of Sundiata as a primary source document for studying trade and commerce in ancient Mali, by comparing and contrasting secondary sources accounts of trade and commerce, and the account given in the Epic of Sundiata, to prove that the book the epic of Sundiata is a useful primary source document for studying trade and commerce in Ancient Mali.

When talking about trade in Ancient Mali, knowing about the Dyulas is paramount. A large amount of trade in ancient Mali was done by the trader caste of the Dyulas, who are tangentially mentioned in the Epic of Sundiata, on Page 82 "Dyulas became numerous." In actual history The Dyulas were a social class and caste of merchants, who filled a niche in Medieval Africa

They became prosperous during the time of Ancient Mali via the Trans-Saharan trade, taking gold (which was plentiful and cheap in the lands under Sundiata) to the north (where it was rare and expensive). They then brought rock salt, which was plentiful in the sahara, back to Mali, where it was a rare luxury. This trade made them prominent enough that in the Manding language (the language of ancient Mali), the very word Dyula means trader. In the Encyclopedia Britannica, it tells us the Dyula were forged from a number of minority groups, and that "These minority groups came to call themselves, very simply, Dyula—“traders". This shows that the origin of the manding word for traders was from Sundiata's time, an sign of the widespread trade taking place then. Furthermore, the encyclopedia Britannica

For example, in the penultimate chapter, Niani, there are many mentions of trade and commerce during the reign of Sundiata. The first is on page 82 "If you want salt, go to Niani, for Niani is the camping place for the Sahel caravans." This quotes, and the other similar quotes evidence that external trade flourished under Sundiata, and his capital of Niani became a trade hub. It also fits quite well with secondary sources, which report that the Dyulas made their fortunes on the trans-saharan trade with salt and gold. Shortly thereafter in the Epic of Sundiata, it says "If you want gold, go to Niani." On page 82. This quote again shows the connection between Sundiata and actual history, and demonstrates its usefulness as a primary source document, at least in the area of trade and commerce. Finally, the third reference to trade and commerce is also on Page 82 If you want fish, go to Niani, for it is there that the fisherman of Maouti and Djenne come to sell their catches."While this may seem odd, given that Niani is more than 200 miles from the sea, the verity of the other trade related statements makes us think that this is most likely true. To conclude this, the mentions of trade in the epic of sundiata comport with secondary sources in most cases, and so it is likely it is a reliable primary