West African Kingdoms (Song Analysis)

Why was salt so valuable to West African Kingdoms?

• Salt was mainly used as a currency for buying land.

• Salt was primarily used for making weapons.

• Salt was only valuable for its color and appearance.

• Salt was valuable because it was high in demand.

Answer explanation

It keeps the food safe and when you sweat it replenishes you.

Salt preserved meat (almost like ham or a jerky). And you need salt to keep your body in balance when you sweat a lot.

What is silent barter?

• Silent barter involves verbal negotiations.

• Silent barter is a method of online trading.

• Silent barter requires a written contract and an in person meeting.

• Silent barter is an exchange of goods without direct contact.

Answer explanation

Silent barter helped when people didn't speak the same language.

You would leave your stuff. The other group would leave the payment. If you liked the payment, you would take it. Otherwise you took your stuff back.

Where are a lot of taxes going to?

• Songhai

• Ghana

• Mali

• Arabian Peninsula

Answer explanation

Ghana got rich on the trade happening in its empire. Like collecting a sales tax.

Royal blood comes from which side of the family in West Africa?

• Father's side

• Both parents' sides

• Mother's side

• Paternal grandparents

Answer explanation

The big word for this is matrilineal. The line or lineage from the mother.

Matri = like "madre" en espanol (mother)

Linea = line

How did Islam become a major religion in Ghana?

• Primarily through trade and the influence of Muslim traders.

• Islam spread primarily through local religious leaders.

• Islam was introduced through military conquest.

• Islam became popular due to missionary activities.

Answer explanation

Islam spread through North Africa. As traders came across the desert, they brought their religion with them. Eventually, Islam became a big part of the religion in west Africa.

Which one of these is a false statement about Mansa Musa?

• He ruled Mali.

• He had a lot of gold.

• He took a pilgrimage to Mecca.

• He was a famous explorer of the Americas.

How did Islam affect the line of succession?

• Islam promoted a monarchy system without religious influence.

• Islam had no impact on political leadership structures.

• Islam unified all factions under a single leader without divisions.

• Islam established the line of succession through male leaders

What is a griot?

• A griot is a West African dancer.

• A griot is a type of African drum.

• A griot is a traditional West African storyteller and musician.

• A griot is a traditional African painter.

Based on the song so far, what do you think West African Kingdom economies were based off?

• Salt and gold

• Fishing and textiles

• Tourism and technology

• Salt mining and forestry

Answer explanation

Salt and Gold

Pay attention to the whole song and look at the pictures. You'll see that salt was mined in northern Africa and the gold is the region of the kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai.

What is the Sahara?

• The Sahara is a river in Asia.

• The Sahara is a rainforest in South America.

• The Sahara is a mountain range in Europe.

• The Sahara is a desert in North Africa.