Chronicles of Songhay Empire's Askyas (Kings) 1493-1599
Gao (Gawgaw, Kawkaw)
Title
A specific drum is made for the "official of adultery" in Gao
Short description
A special drum is made for the "official of adultery" in Gao to summon accused people.
Text on source
وكانت بلد ݣاع في ايام اسحاق في غاية الفسق واظهار الكبائر والمنكرات وفشو القاذورات حتى اتِخذوا المزنات رءيسًا وضعوا له طبلًا ويتحاكمون فيها [ص. ١٥٢]
English translation
At the time of Isḥāq, the town of Gao had reached the extreme limits of immorality. The most grave crimes and most disagreeable acts were overtly committed there. The worst forms of baseness were commonly displayed both far and wide to the point that an officer of adultery was appointed and a drum [ṭabl] was made for him before whom those interested were reciprocally summoned.
Folios/Pages
272
Date
1590
Observations on the events description
The mentioned has been interpreted by scholars as an instrument specific to the official's function, although no other specifics are given other than drum [ṭabl].
The dots on the map indicate the places where sound and music events were described. They don't represent travel stages.
Participants
Name
Role
Notes
Edit
Delete
II, Isḥāq
Viewer
Askia (King)
How to quote
Pintimalli A., "A specific drum is made for the "official of adultery" in Gao" (Event description), Echos. Sound Ecosystems in Travelogues. Published 2024 09 18.doi: 10.25430/echos.travels.137
This work is licensed under CC-BY-SA 4.0 
