Chapter 15

15.2 ~ West African Oral and Written traditions

1. What were griots?

Griots were West African storytellers. They were thought as historians, entertainers, as well as storytellers. Also known as a verbal artist.

2. Why were folktales told in West Africa?

Folktales were told in West Africa because it was a way to entertain one’s audience, but yet teach the young people lessons as well as preserve West Africa’s history.

3. Why were proverbs told in West Africa?

West Africans used proverbs to give advice or to express ideas. These proverbs promoted deep thought and intellect.

15.3 ~ West African Music

1. Why was music important in West Africa?

Music was important in West Africa because it communicated ideas, values and feelings. It was used in various celebrations: historic events, weddings, funerals, and ceremonies that honored their ancestors.

2. Why was call and response used in Africa?

Call and response was a method to alleviate stress and to lessen the pain of hard physical labor. It basically got people’s minds off the task that they were doing and allow them to think of other things.

15.4 ~ West African Visual Arts

1. Why were masks an essential part of West African culture?

West African Masks were used to honor their dead ancestors and to celebrate everyday events.

2. What is the kente cloth and why was it important to West African history?

The Kente cloth is the most famous textile in West Africa. This cloth is used to tell the history of the person who made the cloth/design and to also express values, politics and other events that are happening around West Africa.