Griots

Definition

Griots are traditional West African storytellers, poets, and musicians who serve as oral historians and keepers of culture. They play a vital role in preserving the histories and genealogies of their communities, using songs, stories, and proverbs to transmit knowledge and values from one generation to the next, especially during the period from 1200 to 1450 when African societies were increasingly interconnected through trade and cultural exchange.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Griots are often born into a caste of storytellers and musicians, meaning their skills and roles are typically hereditary.
2. In addition to storytelling, griots are also responsible for celebrating important events like births, weddings, and funerals with their music and narratives.
3. Griots preserve the history of royal families and local leaders, ensuring that important events and lineages are remembered across generations.
4. During the 1200 to 1450 period, griots contributed significantly to the cultural exchange along trade routes connecting West Africa with North Africa and beyond.
5. Griots utilize a variety of instruments, such as the kora (a stringed instrument) and balafon (a type of wooden percussion), to enhance their storytelling performances.

Review Questions

• How do griots contribute to the preservation of history and culture in West African societies?
  • Griots play a crucial role in preserving history and culture by passing down stories, genealogies, and important events orally. They serve as living libraries, using songs and narratives to communicate values, traditions, and historical accounts to their communities. This oral tradition ensures that knowledge is maintained even without written records, making griots indispensable in keeping the cultural heritage alive.
• Discuss the relationship between griots and the political structures of West African empires during the period from 1200 to 1450.
  • Griots had a close relationship with political structures in West African empires like the Mali Empire. They served as advisors to kings and noble families, using their knowledge of history and lineage to legitimize power and decisions. By recounting the achievements of rulers through oral tradition, griots helped to reinforce authority while also providing a means for leaders to connect with their subjects through shared stories.
• Evaluate the impact of trade routes on the role of griots in disseminating culture and knowledge throughout West Africa during this era.
  • The extensive trade routes established during this time facilitated not only economic exchange but also cultural interactions. Griots traveled along these routes, sharing stories and traditions from various regions, thus enriching the cultural tapestry of West Africa. This mobility allowed for the blending of different cultural practices and ideas, showcasing how griots were not just local historians but also important figures in a larger interconnected world that spanned beyond their immediate communities.

Related terms

Oral Tradition:

The practice of passing down stories, history, and cultural knowledge through spoken word rather than written texts.

Mande Empire: A prominent West African empire that flourished in the 13th century, known for its rich culture and influence on trade and politics in the region.

Sunjata: An epic tale recounting the life of Sunjata Keita, the founder of the Mali Empire, often recited by griots as a significant part of West African oral literature.