West Africa Notes EQ: What was the most significant factor in the development of Early Societies in West africa?

West Africa’s 4 Climate Zones Sahara Desert: salt was key trade good Sahel: Shore of the Desert: area in between desert and savanna Savanna: tall grasses and small trees: good for growing grains Rain forest: wood and edible roots like yams

The Gold and Salt Trade The three great West African empires (Ghana, Mali, Songhai) were built on trade; especially the gold and salt trade.

The Niger and Senegal Rivers All three empires were located near the Niger and Senegal Rivers. The rivers acted as highways for trade.

Ghana Arab scholars described Ghana as a fabled “land of gold.” Ghana’s succession was matrilineal. Ghana had a powerful army. Ghana acted as “middleman” for the salt traders from the north (Taghaza) and the gold traders from the south (Wangara). Aaa                            

Trade Ghana becomes wealthy by taxing traders. Gold and salt were equal in value. Wangarans practiced silent bartering. Trade increased between North and West Africa due to the introduction of the camel and the spread of Islam.

Camels: Ships of the Desert Adaptations: Eyelashes protect eyes from wind-blown sand. Nostrils close to keep sand out. Lips are thickened to withstand the coarsest of desert plants. Coloration matches the environment. Callouses are present on knees and other parts of the body that touch the hot sand when the animal sits down. Hump is a flesh mound not supported by bones. A reserve of fat (not water) is stored in the hump. Hump size varies with food supply and working conditions. Drink brackish or salt water. Camels exhibit unusual tolerance for dehydration. Feet are broadened to walk on sand.

Primary Source Ibn Battuta, the famous Muslim adventurer, described crossing the Sahara in a journal.

Ghana’s Collapse Ghana collapsed due to a loss of natural resources and an invasion by the Almoravids.

Spread of Islam Trade brought Islam to West Africa Tolerance shown by Muslims toward traditional religious practices helped Islam spread.

Islam Brings Change Islam brought changes in: religious practices succession (patrilineal) government (more centralized) system of law (shari’ah) education with Timbuktu becoming a center of learning language with Arabic becoming the language of religion, learning, trade and government architecture (al-Saheli, built great mosques and introduced a new design for houses) arts (including calligraphy)

Mali: The Second Great West African Empire Mali is lead by the Mande tribe. The Golden Age of West Africa occurs under Mansa Musa’s leadership.

Mansa Musa’s Pilgrimage Mansa Musa puts Mali on the world map with his hajj. Mansa Musa brings scholars back to Mali and make it a center of learning.

Timbuktu: A Center of Trade and Learning

Songhai: The Third Great West African Empire About 100 years after Mansa Musa’ death, the Songhai rise up under Sunni Ali and conquer Mali. Under Askia Mohammed Toure, Songhai expands and becomes a strict Muslim empire.                                                                                      The shaded portion indicates

The Cultural Legacy of West Africa West Africa has left a rich cultural legacy in oral and written traditions, music and visual arts. Oral traditions use the art of storytelling to record a culture’s history Griots are poet-musicians and historians.

Sundjata Keita The most cherished tale in griot history is the story of Sundjata Keita, the founder of Mali.

Oral Traditions Folktales were used to pass down history and to teach young people morals and values. Proverbs are popular sayings meant to express something wise or true. African music has influenced jazz, blues, rock and rap music.