Sunjata 6/16/19

In modern times, Western brides walk down the chapel aisle decked in white as they approach the wedding party at the altar. Her father escorts her to her husband as the ancient ritual of the father giving away his daughter. These days the custom merely symbolizes a rite of passage rather than the archaic exchange of property. The bridesmaids gather around their friend in solidarity. However, "Sunjata" portrays a much difference bridal experience.

Sologon Conde could not walk to her husband due to her health conditions, therefore the other wives carried the poor woman to her new home and husband (Sunjata lns 750-771). At first glance, this procedure appears friendly and helpful because the women are coming together to help their “sister.” However, their true intentions shine through when poor Sologon Conde’s headscarf falls off to reveal she is bald (Sunjata 773-774). Rather than assisting her and reassuring their “sister,” the other wives begin singing taunts about the “heron-head” (Sunjata 780). The custom becomes more of a bullying scenario with the wives teasing the new “kid.” Otherwise, the custom seems simply fascinating, not horrific -- within the context of the selected lines.

While some cultures practice various rituals when joining two people together as a couple, similarities can be found. Up to the point before the wives taunted Sologon Conde, the gathering seemed reminiscent of a bridal shower or bachelorette party. However, bullying is unacceptable across cultural boundaries. Given that Islam permits polygamy for men, "Sunjata" raises the question of bullying among Islamic wives -- a question for another time.

Works Cited
“Sunjata: A Western African Epic of the Mande Peoples.” The Norton Anthology of World Literature. Gen. ed. Martin Puchner. Shorter Third edition. Vol. 1. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2013. 1536-1537. Print.