West Africa Geography & Culture Review

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to West Africa's geography, culture, leadership, trade, and history.

Rifts

Long deep valley (minerals)

Sub-Saharan Africa

Region south of Sahara

Niger River

Major river in Northwestern Africa that supported civilizations

Sahel

Dry grasslands bordering Sahara

Savannah

Tropical grasslands

Rainforests

Dense forest near equator

Extended Family

Related family groups

Animism

Belief all things have spirits

Kente

Colorful woven cloth

Silent Barter

Trade without talking

Tunka Manin

Ghana king with wealth

Sundiata

Founder of Mali (Lion King)

Mansa Musa

Mali king who was Muslim. He was famous for his trip to Mecca and all the gold he brought with him and spread everywhere.

Sunni Ali

Songhai’s first leader

Askia the Great

Songhai ruler who organized government

Oral History

Spoken record of past history

Griots

Storytellerswho preserve and share the history and traditions of West African cultures through spoken word and music.

Proverbs

Sayings of wisdom of truthpassed down through generations, often used to convey morals or cultural values.