XIᵉ siècle – XIIIᵉ siècle
Niger lacustrine region, western Sudan
Traduction non disponible · Original (anglais) · français indisponible
Mema was a Soninke state in the lacustrine region of the Niger south of Timbuktu that emerged during the fragmentation of Ghana. Some traditions presented it as having been founded by a chief of Wagadu’s crown slaves, making it a potential political heir to Ghana. The excerpt portrays Mema as one of the successor formations that inherited parts of Ghana’s regional role.
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Le récit
Mema emerged among the Soninke states that followed the political fragmentation of Ghana. It was situated in the lacustrine region of the Niger, south of Timbuktu, placing it within the waterways and commercial environments of the western Sudan. Its location connected the kingdom to the broader reorganization of political and trading networks after Ghana’s weakening.
Some traditions described Mema as the closest heir to Ghana. They attributed its foundation to a chief of the crown slaves of Wagadu, the name associated with Ghana in Soninke traditions. This origin narrative presents Mema as both a successor state and a continuation of older political institutions.
The excerpt does not provide a detailed chronology, ruling genealogy, or account of Mema’s later political development. Its importance lies in the evidence it offers for the fragmentation of Ghana and the emergence of multiple Soninke centres before the rise of Mali.
XIᵉ siècle – XIIIᵉ siècle
Niger lacustrine region, western Sudan
Traduction non disponible · Original (anglais) · français indisponible
Mema was a Soninke state in the lacustrine region of the Niger south of Timbuktu that emerged during the fragmentation of Ghana. Some traditions presented it as having been founded by a chief of Wagadu’s crown slaves, making it a potential political heir to Ghana. The excerpt portrays Mema as one of the successor formations that inherited parts of Ghana’s regional role.
Poursuivre l’exploration
Le récit
Mema emerged among the Soninke states that followed the political fragmentation of Ghana. It was situated in the lacustrine region of the Niger, south of Timbuktu, placing it within the waterways and commercial environments of the western Sudan. Its location connected the kingdom to the broader reorganization of political and trading networks after Ghana’s weakening.
Some traditions described Mema as the closest heir to Ghana. They attributed its foundation to a chief of the crown slaves of Wagadu, the name associated with Ghana in Soninke traditions. This origin narrative presents Mema as both a successor state and a continuation of older political institutions.