Why the Bani River is Important to the City of Djenné
The city's life source, providing transport, defence, building materials, and water
The River The Island City by mCubed4d Heritage
The river still defines the limits of the old city of Djenné, as it has since the 8th century, protecting all the buildings on the island from invaders or bandits.
The River The Pirogue and the Bus4d Heritage
The two essential forms of transport in Djenné!
The River Fishing4d Heritage
Fishing in the river provides food. At certain times of year the villagers arrange ‘communal fishing’ at which the fish are chased into a cul-de-sac and easily caught. This event is a joyous community celebration with music and dancing.
The River Flooding4d Heritage
The river gives, but it also takes away. The river floods during the rainy season between July and October, keeping the plain fertile, but also causing major problems.
The River Deploying Sand Bags4d Heritage
The flood is unpredictable and emergency measures are often needed!
The River Saving the Generator4d Heritage
The rising water levels pose a risk to power supplies. Here a generator is being moved to safety.
The River River Rising at Sanouna4d Heritage
Sanouna is a small settlement close to Djenné and right next to the Bani. Rising water levels often put homes in danger here.
A flood means the local school cannot be accessed by anything but a boat.
The River The Land is Renewed4d Heritage
But when the flood recedes, the Djennenké are greeted by a renewed land, with grassland and local Acacia trees becoming verdant once more.
The River Building from Mud4d Heritage
Mud from the river is collected for the city's building materials, such as bricks and plastering.
The River Bogolan4d Heritage
Bogolan is a handmade Malian cotton fabric, traditionally dyed with fermented river mud.
The River Bogolan Textiles Drying4d Heritage
After being washed in the river to bring out the colours, the cloth needs to be dried.
The River Tabaye-Ho4d Heritage
The Tabaye-Ho festival occurs just after the rains, when the river stands high, a traditional display of masculine hunting and sporting prowess. The young men of each neighbourhood leave at dawn to hunt in the bush. They return at midday, triumphantly displaying their catch on canoes to people gathered on the shore.
The River Start of Race4d Heritage
A race is then held, with each of the 11 neighbourhood communities of Djenné sporting their own canoe, gliding along to the sound of drums and flutes.
The River The Race4d Heritage
Competition is fierce, with winning the race only one opportunity for glory - another is in the colour and finery of each team's uniform.
Photos: Sophie Sarin
Curation: Alex Colville
