What can you infer about what role griots may have played in West African society?

What can you infer about what role griots may have played in West African society?

In West Africa, griots, a highly honored professional storyteller recited ancient stories that would be passed on from generation to generation. The griot is often viewed as a leader in their society because they preserve the history.

Who are the griots and what was their role in the history of ancient 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. They tell their stories to music, using instruments such as the ngoni, the kora or the balafon.

What was the purpose of griots?

The griots’ role has traditionally been to preserve the genealogies, historical narratives, and oral traditions of their people; praise songs are also part of the griot’s repertoire. Many griots play the kora, a long-necked harp lute with 21 strings.

What role did the griots play within Sub Saharan African culture?

What was the function of the griot in the sub-Saharan African culture? They were West African poets, praise singers, and wandering musicians who were considered a repository of oral tradition. Griots form an endogamous caste.

What role did griots play in early African cultures?

Griots were an important part of the culture and social life of the village. The main job of the griot was to entertain the villagers with stories. They would tell mythical stories of the gods and spirits of the region. They would also tell stories of kings and famous heroes from past battles.

Why were griots and their stories important in West African society?

Why were griots and their stories important in West African Societies? They helped keep the history of past generations alive. People were very interested in the deeds of their ancestors. They told stories, and had to memorize hundreds of names and events.

Which role did the griots perform in the Songhai Empire?

The main job of the griot was to entertain the villagers with stories. They would tell mythical stories of the gods and spirits of the region. They would also tell stories of kings and famous heroes from past battles.

What role did music and dance play in early West African society?

What role did music and dance play in West African society? Music and dance were used to honor and celebrate people and events.

What was the role of the griot in Africa?

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. The griots’ role has traditionally been to preserve the genealogies, historical narratives, and oral traditions of their people; praise songs are also part of the griot’s repertoire.

Who are the griots and storytellers in Africa?

Griots and Storytellers. Another name for griot is “jeli.”. Although griots were well-respected (and sometimes feared for their magical powers), they were considered a low-ranking caste in the hierarchy of African social life. During the Mali Empire, griots of the royal family took on an even more important role.

What was the role of the griot troubadour?

The griots’ role has traditionally been to preserve the genealogies, historical narratives, and oral traditions of their people; praise songs are also part of the griot’s repertoire. Many griots play the kora, a long-necked harp lute with 21 strings.

What was the music of the griot culture?

Above the din of everyday culture — from the spontaneous chatter of the marketplace to the polyphonic rhythms of the traditional shuttle loom, anvil or pestle — rises the acoustic poetry of the West African griot.