Remnants of Mamelon, Sikasso

Remnants of Mamelon, Sikasso (Mali)

The mamelon of Sikasso is a mamelon 30 meters high and 461 meters in circumference located in the heart of Sikasso. It was built in the 1880s by the king of Kenedougou Tieba Traore for the kings to have their seats there. At its summit there is a replica of a fortified multistory structure that served as a place of work and as a traditional court which was destroyed when Sikasso was conquered by the French colonizers. The site had traditionally been considered very important to local people. It was believed to be home to spirits and has long been used as a gathering place where the court was held guests were received and leaders observed the surrounding territory from the height.