KABIHASNANG AFRICA; EMPIRE MALI

Overview

• Presentation by Mary Agnes D. Burns & Princess Cathelia Diarez.

Sundiata Keita

• Who is Sundiata Keita?

  • A Madinka prince who founded the Empire of Mali.

  • United various clans and is connected to the term "Mali," meaning "Where the King Resides."

Empire of Mali

• Definition:

  • Named after the Madinka word, representing the connection of the empire to its people.

Geography

• Location:

  • Centered around the Niger River, currently parts of Mali, Senegal, Guinea, and Mauritania.

Culture

• Religion and Spirituality:

  • Islam formed a core part of the culture; music is significant, featuring griots (storytellers) playing instruments like the kora.

Government

• Governance Structure:

  • Managed centrally; recognized the importance of management of wealth, people, and ideas.

  • Sundiata initiated Mali's rise to power around 1240, overcoming the Empire of Ghana.

  • Mansa Musa:

    • Known as the wealthiest man alive during his reign. Expanded the empire and was an effective ruler, known for territories like Djenne, Timbuktu, and Gao.

    • He promoted the establishment of madrasas (Islamic schools).

Education

• Learning Centers:

  • Promoted education through madrasas, encouraging knowledge and Islamic teachings.

  • Timbuktu became a center of scholarship.

Arts and Architecture

• Great Mosque of Djenné:

  • Largest mud-brick building in the world, a masterpiece of architecture in Sudanese style, constructed about 1,000 years ago.

• Timbuktu's History:

  • Established around 1100 CE by nomadic Tuareg.

  • Known for its unique name and significance.

Products and Services

• Key Products:

  • Salt: Critical for food preservation.

  • Gold: Rich in mineral resources, making Mali wealthy.

Economy

• Economic Basis:

  • Centered on agriculture, commerce, and mining, notably in gold production, being one of the largest producers alongside salt.

System of Writing

• Writing Evidence:

  • Lack of legitimate proof of their system of writing.

  • Speculated that Arabic script was common due to Islamic influence.

Conclusion

• Presentation Acknowledgements:

  • Concluded by Princess Cathlehia Diarez & Mary Agnes D. Burns.

Quiz Section

1. Key trading products of the Mali Empire?

2. Main religion?

3. Architectural significance?

4. Who was known as "Wealthiest Man Alive"?

5. Centered around which river?