Cultural Legacy of West Africa (Lesson 18)

Which of the following best describes West African cultures?

• diverse

• similar

• newly developed

• short lived

West African cultures were different in many ways. What did they have in common?

• language

• oral tradition

• way of life

• all of the above

Which of the following is the best example of an oral tradition?

• an old letter written by a grandfather to his mother

• a special recipe passed from a mother to her son

• a photo album that shows many generations of a family

• a grandmother singing a song she learned from her mother

Historically, who has helped preserve oral traditions and history in West Africa?

• politicians

• poet-musicians

• teachers

• business leaders

The Mande people first recorded their history and culture through

• written language.

• pictures

• sculptures

• oral traditions.

Griots are best recognized for their ability to

• dance and sing.

• play drums.

• recount history.

• teach and create.

What kind of history were griots expected to remember?

• ancestry

• battles

• deaths

• all of the above

Rulers and griots both played an important role in West Africa. Which of the following best describes how rulers viewed griots?

• feared rivals

• trusted advisors

• fortune tellers

• all of the above

Many griot stories were told about Sundjata Keita. He was a

• king who founded Mali's empire.

• writer of "trickster tales".

• poet-musician from South Africa.

• world-famous singer and drummer.

"Trickster tales", such as the tales about Brer Rabbit, are popular West African

• proverbs.

• songs.

• sayings.

• folktales.