![]() ![]() (The Mandinka people of West Africa make up the largest ethnic group in what is now Ghana.)Īccording to the Oxford English Dictionary, Francis Moore, a former clerk with the Royal African Company, first used the phrase in 1738 in the book "Travels In The Interior Districts of Africa." In the book, Moore writes the Mandinka practiced polygamy and that disputes between a husband and wife (or between wives) were resolved by the masked figure, who would dance, chant and shriek outside the homes of the offenders before making a decision and resolving the conflict. ![]() Historians and etymologists say the exact origin of the word is uncertain, but the Mandinka word " Maamajomboo," which referred to a masked male dancer who took part in religious ceremonies is often cited as the source of 'mumbo jumbo' in English. The term "mumbo jumbo" has a history that dates back centuries and traces its roots to Africa. "Bureaucratic mumbo jumbo," "legal mumbo jumbo" and "religious mumbo jumbo" are all phrases used to describe language or a set of rules and regulations that are deliberately confusing. He translated the word as "mumbo jumbo.' This 1797 illustration from Park's book, "Travels In The Interior Districts of Africa" shows a view of Kamalia village in Mandinka country.ĮDITOR'S NOTE: Here at Code Switch, we take a look each week at a word or phrase that's caught our attention, whether for its history, usage, or just because it has an interesting story. Scottish explorer Mungo Park was among the first Europeans to view the Mandinka tribe's masked dancers who were known as Maamajomboo.
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