The Intersection of Islam and African Material Culture : An Examination of Qur’ans From 18^th and 19^th Centuries West Africa

While the presence of Islam in West Africa dates back to the eighth century, the spread of the faith in regions that are now the modern states of Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, and Nigeria, was in actuality, a gradual and complex process. Today, the region is home to over a hundred million Muslims. In light of this huge population of Muslims in the region, this thesis undertakes a comprehensive exploration of the dynamic interplay between Islam and African material culture, with a specific focus on the examination of Qur'ans originating from West Africa during the 12th and 13th centuries AH/18th and 19th centuries CE. The study seeks to unravel the intricate connections between Islamic religious practices and the diverse artistic expressions manifested in the creation of Qur'anic manuscripts within the unique sociocultural context of West Africa during this historical period.

The research employs a systematic approach of qualitative research, visual analysis, archival research to analyze selected Qur'ans from the 12th and 13th centuries AH/18th and 19th centuries CE, employing methods rooted in art history, religious studies, and cultural anthropology. By examining the textual and artistic features of these manuscripts, the thesis aims to shed light on the nuanced ways in which West African communities translated their Islamic faith into material form. This exploration extends beyond the religious realm to consider the broader cultural and historical influences that shaped the production of Qur'ans in the region.

Through the lens of this investigation, the thesis seeks to elucidate the symbiotic relationship between religious beliefs, cultural contexts, and artistic traditions. By scrutinizing the materiality of Qur'ans, the research aims to uncover the specific ways in which West African communities infused their religious identity into these sacred texts. The selected time frame of the 12th and 13th centuries AH/18th and 19th centuries CE is crucial, as it represents a period of historical significance marked by sociocultural shifts, trade networks, and Islamic expansion in the West African context.In delving into the historical, religious, and artistic dimensions of these Qur'ans, the thesis contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the multifaceted nature of Islam in West Africa. The study not only provides insights into the local variations in Qur'anic manuscript production but also contributes to the broader discourse on the role of material culture in shaping religious identity and visual expressions within the Islamic tradition.