Malinkés from Ivory Coast

The Ivory Coast is full of a multiplicity of traditional areas, each with its own type of habitat. Each traditional habitat is adapted to the social structures and lifestyles of its indigenous populations. Indeed, the particular and intimate understanding of the living environment has as a corollary a perfect integration into the environment with a specific terminology composed of spatial descriptors serving not only to describe the physical space but also to define the relationship between space and the activities for which it supports, as well as the deep, symbolic and cultural aspects it contains. It is a breeding ground for the use of local materials such as earth, wood, raffia and other plants.

Although most people now live in towns and cities, the traditional villages have survived despite their small populations. Depending on the cultural area, each individual builds his own home or is assisted by the whole community.‍

The Malinké ethnic group is located in the north-west of the Ivory Coast and borders Ghana. Malinké huts are circular, built from a material made from raw clay and chopped straw known as banco, which provides good thermal insulation. They are topped with a conical bamboo-raphia roof covered with straw. ‍

The huts on the same concession are laid out in a circular pattern, with the inner courtyard used for family and domestic activities and as a play area for the children.‍

The head of the family's hut is distinguished by a canopy at its entrance. Each of the head of the family's wives has her own hut, which serves as a home for her and her children, as well as a kitchen.

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Malinkés from Ivory Coast

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