Cities like Timbuktu and Djenn'e were known for their universities and libraries, writing was never common in West Africa.
None of the major early civilizations of West Africa developed a written language.
Arabic was the only written language they used.
Many Muslim traders, government officials, and religious leaders could read and write Arabic.
The lack of written language does not mean that the people of the West Africa didn't know their history. Griots helped keep this history for each new generation. The story's of the griots were entertaining as well as informative.
Some stories explained the rise and fall of the West African empires.
Other stories described in detail the actions of the powerful kings and warriors.
Some griots made their stories more lively by acting out events from the past like scenes in a play.
Historical and Artistic Traditions
Oral History: A spoken record of past events.
Griots: West African storytellers.
Cities like Timbuktu and Djenn'e were known for their universities and libraries, writing was never common in West Africa.
The lack of written language does not mean that the people of the West Africa didn't know their history. Griots helped keep this history for each new generation. The story's of the griots were entertaining as well as informative.
Some stories explained the rise and fall of the West African empires.
Proverbs: Short sayings of wisdom or truth.