4 - “A Curious and Very Engaging Mixture of European and Native Customs”

Summary

As Mademba reestablished his authority in his kingdom, he steadily augmented his household by seizing girls and women who pleased him regardless of their age or marital status. As complaints about Mademba’s abuses of power arrived at the district office in nearby Segu, the French commander began to investigate allegations of abductions and kidnappings. At the same time, a French journalist arrived in Sinsani and described the curious mix of European and African artefacts and styles that reflected Mademba’s persona. During this period, Mademba developed a French-facing persona that reflected a modernizing ruler seemingly dedicated to the development of his kingdom and to the French civilizing mission, while simultaneously acting as an autocratic ruler to his African subjects. Mademba’s increasing paranoia regarding alleged adultery with his expanded household and many wives and his execution of the alleged conspirators led to heightened official scrutiny over Mademba’s rule.