You just learned about how Songhai fell to Morocco Now you will learn how we know that this happened. In West Africa there were no written records.

By Kyle, Ross, Nelson and Lucas

When the font is RED, take notes.

Oral History is a spoken record of the past.

The task of remembering West Africa’s history was a job for storytellers.

Who were griots, and why was there job important?

West African story tellers who were highly respected because West Africans were interested about what their ancestors did.

Who were griots, and why was there job important? West African story tellers who were highly respected because West Africans were interested about what their ancestors did. Job was important because they helped keep history alive. Stories were entertaining and factual. Stories that explained why things happened and where things went right and wrong.

Very difficult

Had to remember all of the names and keep them organized.

Very difficult Had to remember all of the names and keep them organized. Had to keep track of hundreds of names and stories. Couldn’t rest and forget about their job for a week, they would forget and fail.

Very difficult Had to remember all of the names and keep them organized. Had to keep track of hundreds of names and stories. Couldn’t rest and forget about their job for a week, they would forget and fail. There was absolutely no rest, making job very difficult.

Proverbs are short sayings of wisdom or truth.

“Talking doesn’t fill the basket in the farm.”

Proverbs are short sayings of wisdom or truth. “Talking doesn’t fill the basket in the farm.” You must do to accomplish, not talk. Don’t say you will, show you did.

Epics about griots’ poems telling their way of life.

Epics about griots’ poems telling their way of life Most epics are about kingdoms and heroes, fights and journeys.

Epics about griots’ poems telling their way of life Most poems are about kingdoms and heroes There are many myths and legends tied in with true events

Epics about griots’ poems telling their way of life Most poems are about kingdoms and heroes There are myths and legends with real historical events Dausi is about history of Ghana

Epics about griots’ poems telling their way of life Most poems are about kingdoms and heroes There are myths and legends with real historical events Dausi is about history of Ghana Sundiata is about history of Mali

Epics about griots’ poems telling their way of life Most poems are about kingdoms and heroes There are myths and legends with real historical events Dausi is about history of Ghana Sundiata is about history of Mali Sundiata is about Sundiata, the first ruler of Mali

Next you will learn about how West Africans valued art.

What art forms do they use?

Next you will learn about how West Africans valued art. What art forms do they use? A.Sculptures

Next you will learn about how West Africans valued art. What art forms do they use? A.Sculptures B. Masks

Next you will learn about how West Africans valued art. What art forms do they use? A.Sculptures B. Masks C. Clothing

Next you will learn about how West Africans valued art. What art forms do they use? A.Sculptures B. Masks C. Clothing D. Music and Dance

Next you will learn about how West Africans valued art. What art forms do they use? A.Sculptures B. Masks C. Clothing D. Music and Dance E.All of the above

Next you will learn about how West Africans valued art. What art forms do they use? A.Sculptures B. Masks C. Clothing D. Music and Dance E. All of the above Listen to find out next!