What written and oral traditions did West Africans create? (A proverb is one example.)

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1 15.2 West African Oral and Written Traditions What written and oral traditions did West Africans create? (A proverb is one example.) Why has the oral tradition been so important in West Africa? What is a griot? Why were they important? How do West African written and oral traditions influence life today? What functions did music serve in West Africa? What does the term call and response refer to? What instruments were used in West Africa? How does West African music and dance influence music today? 15.4 West African Visual Arts What functions did visual art serve in West Africa? What forms of visual art did West Africans create? What were some of the methods artists used? How has West African visual art influenced modern art and culture?

2 15.2 West African Oral and Written Traditions What written and oral traditions did West Africans create? (A proverb is one example.) Proverbs Stories praise songs poems historical accounts genealogies Folktales Why has the oral tradition been so important in West Africa? there was no written tradition in West Africa The oral tradition was used to pass down important information and traditions. What is a griot? Why were they important? A griot is responsible for memorizing and retelling the history and traditions of West Africa Griots also helped advise rulers. How do West African written and oral traditions influence life today? Preserved writings tell us about West African heritage and culture Some modern West African writers build on ancient written and oral traditions What functions did music serve in West Africa? communicated ideas, values, and feelings Marked important events such as weddings and funerals. What does the term call and response refer to? A style of music in which a leader plays or sings a call Others play or sing a response.

3 What instruments were used in West Africa? Balafon Ngoni Kora Drums Bells Rattles How does West African music and dance influence music today? People still perform traditional West African dance West African music has influenced gospel, jazz, blues, rock and roll, and rap West African drum music and Afro- Cuban drumming are popular in world music West African Visual Arts What functions did visual art serve in West Africa? Some visual art, such as fabrics and baskets, served everyday needs Other art was used in rituals and ceremonies to honor spirits, ancestors, and royalty. What forms of visual art did West Africans create? Sculptures Masks Textiles Everyday objects What were some of the methods artists used? Sculptures were molded from clay and fashioned from bronze, copper, and brass Masks were carved from wood Textiles were stamps with patterns, and sometimes pieces of fabric were applied to a larger piece (appliqué). How has West African visual art influenced modern art and culture? Modern artists like Pablo Picasso were inspired by West African art Kente cloth is worn around the world West African basket-making techniques are still used in the American South.

4 15.2 West African Oral and Written Traditions What written and oral traditions did West Africans create? (A proverb is one example.) Proverbs praise songs historical accounts Folktales Why has the oral tradition been so important in West Africa? there was no The oral tradition was used to pass down important information and traditions. What is a griot? Why were they important? A griot is responsible for Griots also helped advise rulers. How do West African written and oral traditions influence life today? Preserved writings tell us about West African heritage and culture Some modern West African writers

5 What functions did music serve in West Africa? communicated,, and Marked important events such as weddings and funerals. What does the term call and response refer to? A style of music in which a leader plays or sings a call Others What instruments were used in West Africa? Bells Drums Rattles How does West African music and dance influence music today? People still perform traditional West African dance West African music has influenced West African drum music and Afro- Cuban drumming are popular in world music.

6 15.4 West African Visual Arts What functions did visual art serve in West Africa? Some visual art, such as fabrics and baskets, served everyday needs Other art was used in What forms of visual art did West Africans create? Sculptures Everyday objects What were some of the methods artists used? Sculptures were molded from Masks were carved from wood Textiles were stamps with patterns, and sometimes How has West African visual art influenced modern art and culture? Modern artists like Pablo Picasso were inspired by West African art Kente cloth West African basket-making techniques are still used in the American South.

AFRICAN MUSIC AND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

AFRICAN MUSIC AND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS Music is important in the life of African people. In America, we tend to be spectators or listeners. Nearly everyone in Africa sings and plays one or two instruments.