Humanities--West Africa

Flashcards for the unit-lesson on West Africa.

13 cards·by Penguineer

What is a griot?

A West African storyteller.

How did a griot tell stories?

Using music, acting out the characters, and getting the audience to participate.

What is a kinship?

A connection between people by marriage, blood, or adoption.

What is a clan?

Many kinship groups with a common ancestor.

What did the West Africans think about their ancestors?

They believed that they were watching over them and often performed rituals for their favor.

What is labor specialization?

The process of people focusing on a specific type of work.

Who were the powerful individuals who gained control of trade?

Kings.

Why were kings able to rise up to power?

The increased trade.

What did North Africa get by trading?

Gold, slaves, cattle hides, ivory

What did Western Africa get by trading?

Salt, cloth, and metal wares

Why were many people loyal to kings?

Because they kept trade stable and running smoothly.

When trade increased, cities became centers of what?

Politics, religion, and education.

How did kings play an important role in the religious life of people?

He performed rituals said to bring prosperity, a good harvest, and more.