She lived a life of poverty. She was able to eat and sleep under a shelter, but ended with having no possession at all. She was considered as belonging to the lowest caste. However, she made some friends among it. People saw Mansa as cultivated, eager to read and learn when possible, and mastering writing, which she did for friends. She was force of nature, and people saw in their body and beauty the incarnation of a god. She was considered strong-willed, a leader at heart.