Modern Influences of West Africa

The Legacy of West Africa

Griots were people who passed down history verbally. By poems / songs

Folktales & proverbs

Stories

Genealogies, births, deaths, marriages, battles, hunts, coronations of kings.

Were the king’s most trusted advisors

Written and Oral Traditions

Proverbs “Two wrongs don’t make a right.” “The pen is mightier than the sword.” “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can

never hurt me.”

Stories/Folktales (Tortoise and the Hare)

Speeches

Lyrics/Songs, Poetry

Modern Influences of Written and Oral Traditions

Call and response

Musical instruments: drums, kora, ngoni, balafon

Drumming was used for when they were working, performed during parties, religious ceremonies, and funerals. Made out of hollowed-out logs, animal skins were used.

There were different types, as well as rattles and bells.

Danced during rituals to mark important times in peoples’ lives.

Dances reflected the conditions people lived in, to express stories. Some wore masks to represent spirits.

Music

African slaves brought music to the Americas. They used the songs to the burden of slavery.

They influenced American music like, gospel, jazz, blues, rock and roll, and rap.

Modern Influences of Music

Decorative textiles (fabrics) Patterns represented proverbs, historical figures, objects,

plants, and/or animals.

Sculptures were used to call upon the spirits to help them in all phases of life. Sculptures of humans tended to have long, narrow heads,

unusual hair styles, and dramatic expressions.

Wooden masks have been a part of West African life for centuries. Worn during religious ceremonies for sacred rites. Some

were mythical figures used to bring the spirits, gods, and ancestors into the present.

Visual Arts

Kente cloth worn around the world.

Basket weaving is used in the southern U.S.

Modern Feature films (The Lion King)

Modern Influence of Visual Arts