The Great Mosque of Djenné [Muslim]

(Content) Toron

Wood projecting from walls and Mande term for sacred tree

Function of Mosque

Islamic place of worship

(Content) Minaret

Tall tower that calls Muslims to prayer

(Context) Hadj

Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca

(Context) Mecca

Holiest city in Islam

(Context) Qur’an

A religious text

(Context) Mesjid

Arabic word for Mosque

(Content) Minbar 

Platform where sermons are delivered

(Context) Kaaba

Cube shaped building in Mecca

(Content) Qibla Wall

Wall in mosque that faces the direction of Mecca

(Context) 13th century

King Koi Konboro, combo of new religion and indigenous practices, Djenne flourished

(Context) 1834--1836

More massive, Ruler Sekou had it destroyed

(Context) 1907

Fulani controlled city, Isamel Thaore is head of masons guild, used forced laborers

(Form) Bricks

Made of mud, sand, rice husks, and water

(Context) Significance

Largest mud structure in the world 

(Content) Market 

Outside the Mosque 

(Content) Ostrich Egg

Placed on top of spires, symbolizes fertility

(Context) "Crépissage de la Grande Mosquée"

Annual re-plastering: men mix materials, women provide water, children help out too

(Content) Terracotta Lids

Have holes that let in fresh air 

(Content) Prayer Hall

Large roofed space where people pray

(Content) Arcade/Columns  

90 massive pillars that block sunlight and keep inside cool

(Form) Frame

palm logs with adobe brick and plaster