Sanankuya (alsosanankou(n)ya,sinankun,senenkun,[1]senankuya[2]) refers to a social characteristic present especially among theManding peoples as well as many West African societies in general, often described in English with terms such as "cousinage" or "joking relationship".
In addition tosanankuya relationships that are pre-established between certain ethnic or professional clans, asanankuya relationship can also be established between any two willing participants who have "broken the ice". Those in asanankuya relationship may treat one another as if cousins or close family members with whom familiar jokes or humorous insults are exchanged.[3] It is considered an essential element of Mande/West African society. Sanankuya was reputedly ordained as a civic duty in theKurukan Fuga, the oral constitution of theMali Empire, bySundiata Keita in c. 1236.
This complex and longstanding custom in West African society is thought to survive inAfrican-American culture in such cultural practices as "the Dozens," or trading warm insults. In addition, the custom of non-blood relatives according each other the status of familial relationships ("play" aunts, cousins, etc.) may be derived from this custom.
TheTraoré andKoné clans each maintain asanankuya relationship with the others' members. One of their biggest running jokes is that each clan will accuse the other of loving to eat beans the most.[4]