Oral Records in Senegal

Oral records are an important source for the study of history in Senegal. As early as 1935 the French colonial government recognized the need to record the native oral traditions, but acting on those intentions had to wait until after independence in 1960. The Cultural Archives of Senegal, the Center for the Study of Civilizations, the Primary Institute of Black Africa, and the National Archives of Senegal all collect and conserve oral records, but practice has preceded theory and there is no national plan to define areas of responsibility and no agreement on uniform practices. The author describes current holdings and practices and advocates the development of a coherent policy to ensure the collection, preservation, and use of oral records.