West Africa

EQ:What was the most significant factor in the development of
early societies in West Africa?

● Between about 500 and 1600 C.E., three

kingdoms arose in West Africa: Ghana,
Songhai, and Mali. I

The Niger River extends into the forest zone, a much wetter area
than the savanna, located in the southern part of West Africa. Its
northern part is a woodland forest of trees and shrubs. Oil palms, yams,
and kola trees grow here. The southern part of the zone is lush rainforest,
where rain falls year-round. In the rainforest, tall trees—such as
mahogany and teak—rise above swamps and lagoons.

Trade

The geography of West Africa influenced the patterns of trade that developed there.

Different resources are found in each of the vegetation zones. As a result, people living in

different zones had to trade to acquire items they could not provide for themselves. For

example, people on the savanna may have traded grains for yams or mahogany from forest

dwellers.

While several major rivers served as trading routes in West Africa, the region's

longest river, the Niger, became a kind of trading highway. People in ancient times

traveled the Niger and other rivers by canoe to trade goods. Some traders also crossed the

Sahara from North Africa, but most early trade was among West African settlements.

extended-family community might have had about 15 to 20

members. Each community produced most of the things it

required. Family members worked together to clear the fields,

plant seeds, and harvest crops. These small communities traded

with one another for additional goods. Very likely, one of the male

elders made decisions for the family community.

Eventually, family-based communities joined together to

form villages that might contain one- to two-hundred people.

The village leader was probably selected for his wisdom and

strength.

Kingdoms & empires

●

Trade was a major factor in the
rise of West African kingdoms.
Because Ghana, Mali, and
Songhai were all trading powers
that ruled over large areas,
historians often refer to them as
empires, as well as kingdoms.

●

Rulers also collected tribute from
the people they conquered. The
payment of tribute was an indication
that the conquered people accepted
the king's authority. Tribute could also
pay for the king's protection from
outside attackers.

savanna:
a vegetation zone of tall grasses
and scattered trees, with a long
rainy season

smelting:
the process of melting ore to
produce iron or other metals
from it

tribute:
payment made by one ruler or
country to another for protection
or as a sign of submission