Table of Contents
Who were the masters of oral tradition in West Africa?
The griot is a repository of oral tradition and is often seen as a leader due to their position as an advisor to royal personages. As a result of the former of these two functions, they are sometimes called a bard.
Who were the storytellers of early West Africa?
Griots
Griots were the storytellers and entertainers in Ancient Africa. In the Western African culture of the Mande people, most villages had their own griot who was usually a man. Griots were an important part of the culture and social life of the village.
What is a West African storyteller called?
Griot, Mande jeli or jali, Wolof gewel, West African troubadour-historian. The griot profession is hereditary and has long been a part of West African culture. In addition to serving as the primary storytellers of their people, griots have also served as advisers and diplomats.
What is West African storytelling?
For centuries, the history, beliefs and folklore of West African communities have been kept alive through the tradition of music and oral storytelling. Griots told their stories through music, using accompanying instruments such as the balafon, ngoni or the kora.
Where did the West African storytelling tradition begin?
Mande empire of Mali
Griots originated in the 13th century in the Mande empire of Mali. For centuries, they have told and retold the history of the empire, keeping their stories and traditions alive.
What was the first great trading state in West Africa?
Ghana
Ghana became the first great trading state in West Africa around A.D. 500.
Why has the oral tradition been so important in West Africa?
There is a rich tradition throughout Africa of oral storytelling. So the transmission of knowledge, history and experience in West Africa was mainly through the oral tradition and per- formance rather than on written texts. Oral traditions guide social and human morals, giving people a sense of place and purpose.
Who were African griots?
A griot is a West African storyteller, singer, musician, and oral historian. They train to excel as orators, lyricists and musicians. The griot keeps records of all the births, deaths, marriages through the generations of the village or family.