Manden Charter (1236): Foundations, History, and Legacy in West Africa

At Kaolack Créations, African fashion is not a trend: it is a memory. Our bogolan pieces are part of the Bamanan (Bambara) continuity within a broader cultural space: the ancient Mali Empire. Our partner, Mamadou Traoré, is based in Kolokani (Koulikoro region, Mali) — but bogolan is woven and dyed in many areas of the Mandingo world (Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Senegal…), with local variations such as Dogon bogolan, sogala or galafini.

To read more: Bogolan Collection · History of authentic bogolan (article)

Kurukan Fuga, Mali Empire and the role of hunters

In the 13th century, after Sundiata Keita's victory, a large assembly was held in Kurukan Fuga. It established a body of rules for the Mali Empire — a political space much larger than the current Malian state. This text is of an oral nature and was reconstructed much later from the accounts of Mandingo traditionalists and griots.

In this same cultural universe, the bogolan of the Bamanan connects the earth, the plant, and the body: mud dyeing, plant decantations, coded signs, social uses including the world of hunters. Bogolan is not "inspired by Mandé": it belongs to the Bamanan tradition and has spread throughout the ancient Mandingue space with variations (article: history of bogolan).

The Mandé Charter — 44 articles (faithful modern formulation)

The list below presents, in order, the content of the 44 articles as they are reconstructed from oral tradition (Kankan workshop, 1998), avoiding to fix a single written translation. It respects the spirit, structure and scope of the articles.

1. Human life is inviolable. All life is life: dignity and integrity for everyone.
2. Equality of value between people. No being is superior in rights to another.
3. Duty of solidarity. Mutual support: no one should be left behind.
4. Protection of the family. Nourish, educate, honor elders, protect the young.
5. Refusal of hunger and enslavement. Prohibition of starving, chaining, or exploiting a human.
6. Community before territory. The homeland is primarily the men and women who compose it.
7. Preference for peace. Prevent conflicts, ban gratuitous violence.
8. Personal freedom. No one can dispose of another's body: everyone is free of their person.
9. Individual responsibility. Everyone is responsible for their actions: no collective fault imposed.
10. Impartial justice. Listening to all parties, fairness, moderation in punishment.
11. Redress of wrongs. Restore balance, compensate without excess.
12. Protection of the most vulnerable. Orphans, widows, fragile people: priority assistance.
13. Sacred hospitality. Respect and protect guests and strangers.
14. Freedom of movement. Come and go without unjust hindrance in the Mandingue space.
15. Primacy of speech. Discuss before acting: mediation takes precedence over force.
16. Truth of given word. Rejection of slander and lies: the word commits.
17. Respect for pacts. Honor alliances, keep oaths, accept mediation.
18. Organization of clans and duties. Clear distribution of responsibilities for the common good.
19. Council of elders. Listen to those who hold memory, rely on their advice.
20. Role of djéli (griots). Guardians of the word, recognized social mediators.
21. Role of nyamakala (craftsmen). Recognize their knowledge and their craft monopolies.
22. Defense without tyranny. Bow bearers protect without plundering or oppressing.
23. Tolerance of cults and beliefs. Respect for the sacred, balance visible/invisible.
24. Preservation of places of knowledge. Sanctuarize houses of speech, spaces of memory, useful knowledge.
25. Kinship and marriage. Preserve prohibitions, avoid illicit unions, protect lineages.
26. Respect for women. Dignity, consent, family and community rights.
27. Protection of children. Right to care, education, clear filiation.
28. Duty of chiefs. Exemplary and just, guarantors of peace and the common good.
29. Regulated succession. Clarify inheritance, prevent quarrels, respect custom.
30. Good neighborliness. Coexist without nuisance, resolve disputes through dialogue.
31. Status of goods. Define property, avoid hoarding, share justly.
32. Transmission of land. Inherit without dispossession: land nourishes the community.
33. Protected common goods. Water points, pastures, paths: equitable use.
34. Fair trade. Just measures, honest prices, rejection of fraud.
35. Responsibility for damage. Repair what has been destroyed, compensate without excess.
36. Access to the market. Allow everyone to sell and buy without undue hindrance.
37. Protection of crops. Respect seeds, fields, harvests: no depredations.
38. Protection of wildlife. Measured hunting, respected seasons: avoid extinction.
39. Protection of forests and waters. Preserve sources, spare useful trees.
40. Neighborly ecology. Control fire, livestock, irrigation: no nuisance to neighbors.
41. Duty to share. Help those in need: no one without vital resources.
42. Sanction for betrayal. Betrayal breaks trust: possible reparation and exclusion.
43. Assistance in danger. Help travelers, the injured, the vulnerable.
44. Mediation before force. Always attempt conciliation through the wise.
45. Prohibition of private vengeance. Justice falls under regulated community.
46. Common application of the Charter. All responsible for its implementation: no one above the rules.

Also read: Authentic African Fashion · History of Bogolan

Living Legacy

The Mandé Charter states: life first, justice with measure, shared responsibility. The Bamanan bogolan extends these values through action: earth, plant, weaving, dyeing, signs. Wearing these fabrics means combining everyday life with demands — dignity is not negotiable.

Discover our bogolan & galafini pieces

View the entire bogolan collection · Discover our African textiles

Sources & References

• UNESCO – The Mandén Charter, proclaimed at Kouroukan Fouga (ICH file)
• UNESCO – Decision 4.COM 13.59 (inscription 2009)
• Reconstruction (Kankan workshop, 1998) – « Kouroukanfouga Charter » (PDF, OIDP Afrique)
• Reference English version – The Manden Charter (CCAF, PDF)

Note: the Charter is an oral heritage. The modern texts in 44 articles are reconstructions published from tradition (1998). The above formulation faithfully reflects its content without fixing a single translation.