12th century – 13th century
Soso and the western Sudan
Sumaguru was the ruler and military leader of the Soso in the conflict that preceded the rise of Mali. He commanded a large army and renowned cavalry, defeated Mani with the aid of Fakoli, and fought the coalition led by Sundiata at Kirina. After the Soso defeat, Sundiata pursued him toward Kulikoro, but Sumaguru escaped capture.
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The Story
Sumaguru appears as the principal adversary of Sundiata in the traditions surrounding Mali’s foundation. He led the Soso and commanded a numerous army supported by famous cavalry. His earlier victory over Mani was attributed to Fakoli, his nephew and general-in-chief, whose military skill made Sumaguru’s power formidable.
Sumaguru’s position weakened after a quarrel with Fakoli at festivities in Mani. He had taken Keleya Konkon, Fakoli’s nephew’s wife, and the resulting rupture drove Fakoli across the Niger to join Sundiata’s allies. Sumaguru then attacked the coalition, but after two indecisive battles the Malinke gained confidence and prepared for the decisive encounter at Kirina.
The narrative presents Sumaguru’s authority as partly dependent on magical protection. He was said to be invulnerable to iron and to possess a white cockspur as his tana or totem. Once Nana Triban and Baila Fasseke revealed the secret, his confidence declined; the Soso were routed, and Sundiata pursued him to Kulikoro without capturing him.
12th century – 13th century
Soso and the western Sudan
Sumaguru was the ruler and military leader of the Soso in the conflict that preceded the rise of Mali. He commanded a large army and renowned cavalry, defeated Mani with the aid of Fakoli, and fought the coalition led by Sundiata at Kirina. After the Soso defeat, Sundiata pursued him toward Kulikoro, but Sumaguru escaped capture.
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The Story
Sumaguru appears as the principal adversary of Sundiata in the traditions surrounding Mali’s foundation. He led the Soso and commanded a numerous army supported by famous cavalry. His earlier victory over Mani was attributed to Fakoli, his nephew and general-in-chief, whose military skill made Sumaguru’s power formidable.
Sumaguru’s position weakened after a quarrel with Fakoli at festivities in Mani. He had taken Keleya Konkon, Fakoli’s nephew’s wife, and the resulting rupture drove Fakoli across the Niger to join Sundiata’s allies. Sumaguru then attacked the coalition, but after two indecisive battles the Malinke gained confidence and prepared for the decisive encounter at Kirina.
The narrative presents Sumaguru’s authority as partly dependent on magical protection. He was said to be invulnerable to iron and to possess a white cockspur as his tana or totem. Once Nana Triban and Baila Fasseke revealed the secret, his confidence declined; the Soso were routed, and Sundiata pursued him to Kulikoro without capturing him.
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