1. 5.21

2. Bellwork Who was Sundiata? What major river was important to the people of Mali? Why? What effects did the rule of Mansa Musa have on Mali and West Africa?

3. Bellwork How did cultural traditions develop and evolve in Africa?

4. Section 4

5. Preserving History Western African cultures did not develop writing for the most part (relying on Arabic) ◦ History was passed down through Oral tradition  Spoken record of past events passed down from generation to generation

6. The Griots African word for Story teller (think Bard in Europe) ◦ They told of important past events and of the accomplishments of distant ancestors.  Some acted out or sang events

7. West African Epics Griots wrote epic poems such as ◦ Dausi (story of Ghana) ◦ Sundiata (story of Mali’s great ruler)

8. Visitor’s Written Accounts Much of what we know about early West Africa comes from the writings travelers and Muslim scholars. ◦ Ibn Buttutah (remember?) wrote about his experience in West Africa

9. Art - Sculpture West African sculpted People – often the sculptor’s ancestors. ◦ These statues were used for religious rituals or gift to the gods.

10. Art – Masks and Clothing Artists carved elaborate masks ◦ Faces of animals such as:  Hyenas, Lions, monkeys ◦ These masks were used during ritual dancing Africans wore cloths called kente ◦ Brightly colored fabric that is hand woven

11. Music and Dance Singing, drumming, and dancing were great entertainment that also honored their history and ancestors in African cultures. Dancing is used to celebrate special events (weddings, funerals etc)

12. Activity - Webquest Using Chrome – google “African Art Museum” Find an example of each of the following: ◦ Sculpture ◦ Mask ◦ Clothing ◦ Music In your paper, include a picture of each item you find and a brief description. In the description include the following: ◦ Date ◦ Period (was it during Mali’s empire etc?) ◦ Brief physical description (what is the sculpture showing etc?)