saphie
Definitions
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License
- noun A West African talisman or charm.
Examples
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A saphie writer was a man of too great consequence to be long concealed; the important information was carried to the Dooty, who sent his son with half a sheet of writing paper, desiring me to write him a _naphula saphie_ (a charm to procure wealth).
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He brought me, as a present, some meal and milk, and when I had finished the saphie, and read it to him with an audible voice, he seemed highly satisfied with his bargain, and promised to bring me in the morning some milk for my breakfast.
Note
The word 'saphie' comes from the Mandinka word 'safaye'.
