"Bards are also important in the everyday thoughts and experiences of the Mande. Their craft is the keeping of history for nations, ethnic groups and patrons families, to which they have been attached as praise singers and archivists since the legendary origins of the Mali Empire." [McNaughton P., 1987: Nyamakalaw: the Mande bards and blacksmiths. African Art and Litterature, Word and Image, vol. 3 #3]. This photograph was taken by Maya Bracher when she traveled to Africa from October 26, 1970 to end of March 1971. She was on assignment for Eliot Elisofon when he wrote, produced, and directed a four-hour television series for Group W (Westinghouse Broadcasting Company) titled Black African Heritage (1973). The series was divided into four segments, lasting 50 minutes each: The Congo, The Bend of the Niger, The Slave Coast, and Africa's Gift.
Local Numbers:
EENG-IX-10, 1.
General:
Title source: Index card based on photographer's notes.
Local Note:
Typed index card reads, "Z 1 Bmb. Bambara. Mali. Senou village, near Bamako. Elisofon and cameraman George Bracher; boat with griot Batourou Sekou Kouyate and his wife. Westinghouse film. 1/1971. Maya Bracher. neg.no. IX-10, 1." The card was written in 1977-79 by Archives staff using source provided by photographer.
Collection Restrictions:
Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.
Collection Rights:
Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.