Patterns of Immobility, Conflict and Identity by Birgit Bräuchler

Author:Birgit Bräuchler [Bräuchler, Birgit]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781032014814
Barnesnoble:
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Published: 2021-09-30T00:00:00+00:00

The integrative potential of divergence

The emergence of the divergent repertoires through which belonging is articulated might appear to be dichotomous or mutually exclusive (for a comparative perspective, see Bräuchler, 2017) as they represent the difference between two groups. However, I differentiate between collective narratives through which an ethnic identity is constituted and personal narratives by Mandingo in which they are able to switch between a Mandingo historical imagination and a Dan historical imagination. They construct personal narratives around the pivotal moments that Dan also make explicit reference to: territory and kinship. Mandingo, in other words, inscribe themselves into local Dan communities as strangers and, in so doing, accept a politically subordinate position rather than being excluded from the community entirely.

In an interview with one of the Mandingo elders, I wanted to find out more about his father’s role in the building of Karnplay as it was originally a small Dan settlement that turned into a more diverse town. As one of the main protagonists of the Mandingo committee of elders, he had relied very strongly on the divergent historical imagination and the implications it has for the constitution of a collective Mandingo identity by stressing his affiliation with Islam and historical kingdoms that spread out over much of West Africa. On this occasion, he explained how his ‘original’ plot of land, today referred to as his ‘Kingdom’, is located along the main road and exploited as a business area with a video club and a teashop. This piece of land was given to his father by the Dan chief when he arrived in Karnplay. His father was a visionary and a powerful diviner who migrated from one place to another to exploit his talents. However, when he passed through Karnplay, people jumped on him and arrested him.

Apparently somebody had dreamt about a stranger passing through the town and how he should not be allowed to pass on as he would be instrumental in the development of the town. When he got arrested, he was scared for his life as he was carried to the chief’s compound. While he thought he would be killed or sold into slavery, the chief offered him cow meat, more than he could eat, and was asked to stay. To seal the deal, the chief offered him his daughter and a piece of land.

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