West Africa Review

What are some examples of indigenous African spiritual traditions?

• a) Christianity and Islam
• b) Ancestor worship, animism, and the relationship between humans and deities
• c) Buddhism and Hinduism
• d) Judaism and Sikhism

What were some of the key characteristics of the Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai?

• a) They were primarily Christian kingdoms
• b) They were ruled by powerful queens
• c) They were known for their advanced mathematics and astronomy
• d) They were centers of trade, culture, and learning

What were some of the key cities associated with the Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai?

• a) Timbuktu and Cairo
• b) Lagos and Accra
• c) Djenne and Timbuktu
• d) Lagos and Cape Town

What was the main product that was traded across the Sahara desert?

• a) Salt
• b) Gold
• c) Both a and b
• d) None of the above

What was the role of griots in West African society?

• a) They were religious leaders who performed rituals and ceremonies
• b) They were skilled blacksmiths who made weapons and tools
• c) They were storytellers who preserved and transmitted the history and culture of their people
• d) They were merchants who traded goods across the Sahara desert

Who was Mansa Musa?

• a) A famous griot who composed epic poems and songs
• b) A powerful queen who ruled over the Kingdom of Mali
• c) A wealthy ruler of the Kingdom of Mali who went on a pilgrimage to Mecca and made a significant impact on the Islamic world
• d) A famous warrior king who conquered much of West Africa

What was the significance of Mansa Musa's pilgrimage to Mecca? (Choose 2)

• a) It helped spread Islam across West Africa
• b) It led to the downfall of the Kingdom of Mali
• c) It increased trade and cultural exchange between West Africa and the Islamic world
• d) It had no real significance or impact on West African history and culture

What was the relationship between salt and gold in the Trans-Saharan trade?

• a) Salt was more valuable than gold
• b) Gold was more valuable than salt
• c) Salt and gold were of equal value
• d) Neither salt nor gold were important in the Trans-Saharan trade

What was the primary motivation for the Trans-Saharan trade?

• a) Religious conversion
• b) Cultural exchange
• c) Economic gain
• d) Political power

Which of the following was NOT a center of trade, culture, and learning in West Africa during the time of the Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai?

• a) Timbuktu
• b) Djenne
• c) Cape Town
• d) none of the above