West Africa 2.23

Distortion

The alteration of the original shape or other characteristics of something, causing it to appear differently on a map.

Sahara Desert

The largest desert on Earth, located in North Africa.

Griots

Professional storytellers in West Africa who preserved history, laws, religion, and cultural values through oral traditions.

Caste System

A hierarchical social structure in West African civilizations where people were born into a rank called a caste.

Silent Bartering

A trading system that allows people who spoke different languages to trade without direct communication.

Trans-Saharan Trade

Trade across the Sahara Desert, which connected West Africa with other regions.

Mansa

A title meaning emperor in West African empires.

Islams's Spread in Africa

The introduction and growing influence of Islam across Africa, facilitated by traders and rulers.

Polyrhythmic Drumming

A style of drumming characterized by multiple rhythms played simultaneously.

Animism

The belief that plants, animals, and objects have spirits, common in West African religions before the introduction of major world religions.

Sonni Ali Ber

The title taken by Ali Kolon when he became king of Songhai and captured Timbuktu.

Askia Muhammed

A ruler of Songhai known as 'Askia the Great' who emphasized education and scholars, and expanded the Islamic faith.

Mali Empire

An influential West African empire that became powerful through wealth generated from trade and control of resources.

Ghana Kingdom

One of the first trading empires in West Africa, existing from around 300 AD to the 1200s AD.

Timbuktu

A city in Mali that became a center of scholarship, trade, and education.

Mansa Musa

The most famous king of Mali, known for his pilgrimage to Mecca and promoting Islamic education and culture.

Caste System Hierarchy

A social structure including ranks such as Emperor, Kings and Nobles, Traders and Free People, Skilled Workers, and Enslaved People.