Table of Contents
Where does the griot get his history from?
Mande empire of Mali
Griots originated in the 13th century in the Mande empire of Mali. For centuries they have told and retold the history of the empire, keeping their stories and traditions alive. They tell their stories to music, using instruments such as the ngoni, the kora or the balafon. In my family it was the kora.
What sort of information did griots keep track of?
Griots were also the historians of Ancient Africa. They would keep track and memorize the history of the village including births, deaths, marriages, droughts, wars, and other important events. The stories and historical events would then be passed down from generation to generation.
How is West African history told?
So the transmission of knowledge, history and experience in West Africa was mainly through the oral tradition and per- formance rather than on written texts. Oral traditions guide social and human morals, giving people a sense of place and purpose.
What is a griot in African history?
griot, Mande jeli or jali, Wolof gewel, West African troubadour-historian. 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 were griots and their stories important in West African society?
Why were griots and their stories important in West African Societies? They helped keep the history of past generations alive. People were very interested in the deeds of their ancestors. They told stories, and had to memorize hundreds of names and events.
How did griots preserve 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.
Are there female griots?
A female griot is referred to as a Jelimuso or Jalimuso (muso meaning “woman). The craft of the griot, Jaliyaa, is traditionally, passed down from father to son and mother to daughter. In the 13th Century West African Empire of Mali, griots served the royal families as advisors, tutors and diplomats.
Who was the first griot?
Since the 13th century, when Griots originated from the West African Mande empire of Mali, they remain today as storytellers, musicians, praise singers and oral historians of their communities. Theirs is a service based on preserving the genealogies, historical narratives, and oral traditions of their people.
What did griots do?
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. Many griots play the kora, a long-necked harp lute with 21 strings.
When did griots start?
13th century
Since the 13th century, when Griots originated from the West African Mande empire of Mali, they remain today as storytellers, musicians, praise singers and oral historians of their communities.
Where did the origin of the griot come from?
Since the 13th century, when Griots originated from the West African Mande empire of Mali, they remain today as storytellers, musicians, praise singers and oral historians of their communities. Theirs is a service based on preserving the genealogies, historical narratives, and oral traditions of their people.
What was the role of the griot in Africa?
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 did griots tell stories to their children?
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. Some of their stories had moral messages that were used to teach the children about good and bad behavior and how people should behave in order to make their village stronger.
Who are the griots and storytellers in Africa?
Griots and Storytellers. Another name for griot is “jeli.”. Although griots were well-respected (and sometimes feared for their magical powers), they were considered a low-ranking caste in the hierarchy of African social life. During the Mali Empire, griots of the royal family took on an even more important role.