GEOGRAPHY / CULTURE GROUP: Mali, Bambara (Bamana). The Bambara are a Mande ethnic group native to Mali, Guinea and Senegal. There are also sizable concentrations of the Bambara tribal group in current day Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Niger. Islam is the most common religion among the Bambara. The Bambara are commonly viewed as the most dominant cultural community in West Africa. The people are known for their agriculture, carving, music, and leather work. The culture is recognized for its strong secret societies that once imposed social controls among its ancient communities.
