Griots were an important part of the culture and social life of the village. The main job of the griot was to entertain the villagers with stories. They would tell mythical stories of the gods and spirits of the region. They would also tell stories of kings and famous heroes from past battles.
What was the importance of griots in African society quizlet?
West Africans passed on their history and culture through stories and oral history. The Arabs traders brought “written language” to West Africa. professional storytellers and oral historians were called “griots.” They worked for kings and nobles. They memorized and recited stories of famous people and events.
Why would a griot be important before writing was adopted in West Africa?
They can teach and entertain other people from different cultures. … It would be important because a griots main job is to tell the oral traditions to people but if they can’t remember exactly the story could change or even not be passed down.
Why were griots important to rulers such as kings?
Advisors for Kings
The best griot in the lands would have had an important job in the King’s quarters and would have used all his knowledge and wisdom to advise kings and rulers. … You may have read about a young semi-mythical king called Sundiata from Ancient Mali. These Griots could be considered like history teachers.
How did griots pass on history and values?
How did griots pass on history and values? They told stories and sang songs. How did Islam influence Ghana’s ruler? The use of written language helped Muslims gain power in the government.
Why were storytellers important in African society?
They help people make sense of the world and are used to teach children and adults about important aspects of their culture. There is a rich tradition throughout Africa of oral storytelling. Storytelling provides entertainment, develops the imagination, and teaches important lessons about every- day life.
What role does a griot assume in African society?
A griot is a West African storyteller, singer, musician, and oral historian. … The griot keeps records of all the births, deaths, marriages through the generations of the village or family. Master of the oral traditions, the griot plays a key role in west African society.
Why do you think griots were so valued in West African society?
The griots were important to West African society because they were the ones that had the good memory. Also they were important because they were the ones who told the stories to the other people. They were also important because they were the people who told the stories about the hajj.
What are griots Why were they important in West African culture?
The griot profession is hereditary and has long been a part of West African culture. The griots’ role has traditionally been to preserve the genealogies, historical narratives, and oral traditions of their people; praise songs are also part of the griot’s repertoire.
Why was music and storytelling important in African societies?
Storytelling in Africa has been manifested in many ways and was used to serve many purposes. It was used to interpret the universe, resolve natural and physical phenomena, teach morals, maintain cultural values, pass on methods of survival, and to praise God.
What would happen if all the griots died off?
What would happen if all the griots died off? West Africans would have to rely on their written history to remember their past.
How do griots tell stories?
They tell their stories to music using four principal instruments—the kora (a 21-string lute that sounds like a harp), the balafon, the ngoni, and the voice. … Griots usually carry this important responsibility from one generation to the next so that their stories may never be forgotten or lost.
How were history and culture preserved in Africa societies?
How were history and culture preserved in African societies? Much of it was done by oral history passed on from one generation to another. Also through artwork. … What evidence shows that Djenné-Djeno was a major trading city in West Africa?
What were three traditional instruments that griots used?
Musical instruments used by griots
In addition to being singers and social commentators, griots are often skilled instrumentalists. Their instruments include the kora, the khalam (or xalam), the goje (or n’ko in the Mandinka language), the balafon, the junjung, and the ngoni.
What is the importance of oral tradition in our society?
Oral Traditions make it possible for a society to pass knowledge across genera- tions without writing. They help people make sense of the world and are used to teach children and adults about important aspects of their culture. There is a rich tradition throughout Africa of oral storytelling.
What was significant about the city of Jenne Jeno?
From its foundation, Jenne-jeno served as the focus of long-distance trade networks that linked gold and forest goods producers far to the south with those who brought the semiprecious stone and salt of the Sahara (and, eventually metal goods, beads, and books from North Africa).