The Gambia

The Block

Traditional cloth of vibrant colours and flamboyant design (produced through the wax-resist process), donated by Abai Coker, express well the Gambian ‘joie de vivre’. This style of dress, including dashiki (tunic), pants and matching Kofi cap, is typically worn by men of The Gambia. Deep folds on the front and the distinctive, loose cut of the pants make the traditional attire unique to this part of Africa. Hand-embroidery, which replicates the customary needlework used extensively on the front of shirts, on sleeves, front pockets, and occasionally side slits of the dashikis, decorates the neckline and embellishes the piece.

Cultural Profile

The Gambia, formerly “Gambia” (‘The’ was added to its name in 1965) is situated on the Atlantic coast in westernmost Africa. It is the smallest country on the continent and takes its name from the river Gambia that crosses its territory. More than 400 species of birds live in The Gambia. The country is renowned for hundreds of stone circles (each composed of ten to twenty-four standing stones dating back to 750 A.D.) located in an area between the Saloum and Gambia Rivers. The Gambia is also home to the Kachikally Crocodile Pool, a sacred site for the many local tribes who revere crocodiles as fertility symbols. Over one-hundred crocodiles live in the pool, believed to have special healing powers. Also located in The Gambia is the village of Juffureh, the ancestral homeland of Kunta Kinte who was made famous in the Alex Haley novel and docudrama, ‘Roots.’

Gambians are known worldwide for their warm smiles, their peace-loving nature and their hospitality. A wide variety of ethnic groups live harmoniously in mixed communities, each preserving individual languages and traditions. The majority of the population is made up of Africans, including the Mandinka, Fula, Wolof, Diola and Soninke. The official language is English, but several native tongues are spoken as well. About 90% of the population is Muslim, while the remaining is mostly Christian, and intermarriage between both faiths is common. Traditional rites have been syncretized and are still practised by many in the country.

The Gambia’s indigenous people have a highly stratified society in which status is determined by birth. Noble and warrior families hold the highest positions, followed by farmers, traders, and then the caste of tradespeople. Griots (pronounced GREE-oh) are part of that last caste. However, as praise-singers in charge of passing on oral traditions and stories, they have given tribes their strong sense of history and identity, and are therefore highly respected. Griots are known to marry with other griot families, passing their knowledge onto their sons.

The Gambia’s richest artistic tradition is music. Songs are often accompanied by the kora (a 21-string harp skillfully crafted by the Mandinkas), a bolon, a banjo-like instrument made from a cowhide-covered gourd or drums.

Other national crafts include basketry, woven mats, clay pottery, leatherwork, painting, and gold and silver ornaments and jewellery. Gambian woodcarvers are known for their impressive sculptures and masks, which can reach up to 4 feet in height. Tie-dyeing is widely used to create fabric designs used in the making of clothing for both men and women, as well as household items. Embroidery is done on clothing, such as the nyeti abdu for men, which can feature elaborate goldwork.

People have been coming to Canada from The Gambia since 1974, the year immigration records began listing countries individually. Before this date Gambians were likely recorded under the blanket heading of ‘Africans.’ African culture in general has influenced many areas of Canadian society including music, art, and textiles however, the Gambian population specifically in this country, is still very small.

Sponsor: in memoriam Pat MacKenna, from the Invitation Project volunteers