West African Civilizations Quiz 7.25 & 7.26

Which group of people was responsible for preserving history in West African civilizations?

• enslaved people

• griots

• military leaders

• women

The traditional governments of West Africa were led by which groups?

• democratic assemblies

• militaries

• monarchies

• wealthy traders

Griots hold which position in traditional African societies?

• builder

• doctor

• storyteller

• trader

How did most African civilizations record their histories?

• through art

• through oral storytelling

• through written books

• through music

Why were the roles of the griot and storytellers important to African civilizations?

• They established democratic traditions.

• They increased trade throughout the region.

• They preserved African history and culture.

• They spread Islam into the region.

How did the development of writing systems impact African cultures?

• They allowed cultures to practice Islam.

• They allowed cultures to create new music.

• They allowed cultures to develop new tools and technologies.

• They allowed cultures to record data and history.

This chart describes the role of a griot in African culture. Which phrase completes this chart?

• helps spread culture to new generations

• trades goods on the open market

• writes laws

• creates art

How was cultural history passed down through the generations in traditional African societies?

• Women gathered at annual meetings to add events to regional history books.

• Men were required to recite brief histories of their family members every morning.

• Griot told stories that reinforced history and culture.

• Adolescents created written copies of history books.

Why are griots important figures in traditional African societies? Select two that apply.

• They are responsible for creating new trade partnerships.

• They are responsible for preserving traditional practices.

• They are responsible for creating and enforcing new laws.

• They are responsible for assigning laborers to important jobs.

• They are responsible for passing down histories through storytelling.

This is a quote from African Music, A People’s Art, written by Francis Bebey. "The griot knows everything that is going on…. He is a living archive of the people’s traditions…." Based on this quote, how did the griot impact West African civilizations?

• by conducting trade

• by leading militaries

• by funding explorations

• by maintaining cultural practices