Oral Traditions and Archaeological Remains: A Contribution to Understanding the History of Settlement in the Kita Region

Abstract

The district of Kita is criss-crossed by the Mandingue mountains, where there are numerous
natural sites (caves, rock shelters, boulders, springs, hills, etc.) to which local communities have
associated many ancestral traditions (myths, epics, legends, social practices, rituals and festive
events, initiation tales, knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe). These
age-old traditions, handed down from generation to generation by word of mouth, are important
elements of Mandingue society and identity. Unfortunately, despite this rich heritage, the history
of the kita district remains poorly known, due to a lack of in-depth investigation of historical
accounts and relics. The present study aims to contribute to a better understanding of the
settlement history of the Malinké area of Kita, based on oral and archaeological sources.
Our approach was based on the production of qualitative data from key informants, using
interview guides and site prospecting inventory sheets.
This approach revealed that oral tradition remains an essential source of settlement history,
insofar as it preserves the memory of events and lineages. However, its lack of chronological precision limits its independent use. The inventory of material sources, recognized as complementary, has made it possible to reinforce and verify the credibility of orally transmitted accounts. Ultimately, the critical combination of oral traditions and material sources has provided a more complete and nuanced view of the district's settlement history.