Geography
This large river flows through a large portion of West Africa, enabling trade and agriculture.
Niger River
This unique system ensured that the Ghana Army was very large.
Every man had to go through military training.
This religion, brought by Arabic traders in the 8th century, was largely rejected by Ghana but became fully embraced in the Mali Empire.
Islam
This textile style originated in West Africa, and has now spread into popular culture around the world.
Name one factor that led to the collapse of the Ghana Empire.
Drought.
Loss of trees.
Invasion from the outside.
This large desert has acted as a barrier in regards to trade and contact between West Africa and areas north.
Sahara Desert
This system of trading was done largely in silence.
Silent Bartering System.
This early tribal ruler united the Mande-speaking people's into a single state, and was nicknamed "the Lion King."
Sundiata
These objects were worn for important ceremonies, often during performances, celebrations, or religious events.
Masks.
In order to become the King of Ghana, you had to be...
The son of the previous king's sister.
This hot region is characterized as semi-arid but also capable of supporting trees and grasses, and was seen as the "shore" to the desert.
Sahel
The kings of Ghana were the only ones allowed to keep gold nuggets. Everyone else was allowed to keep...
gold dust.
Mansa Musa
This form of music usually involves an individual singing a lyric, where the audience will either repeat or call back to. It is now common in many forms of modern American music.
Call and response.
This Arabic traveler described the Mali Empire in vivid detail, and was largely impressed by the devotion of its people to his religion.
Ibn Battuta
This wet region is characterized as having tall grasses and is particularly good for agriculture.
Savanna
Gold was often traded for this item was crucial for preserving food supplies.
Salt.
Mecca.
This folktale form originated in West Africa and was brought to America by enslaved peoples.
Trickster tales.
This early cultural group in West Africa are often credited to having discovered the way to smelt iron ore to create tools and weapons.
Nok people.
This ancient city along the river was one of the first in West Africa, and was home to many blacksmiths.
Jenne-jeno
This capital of the Ghana Empire was a the home a large system of trade networks and market places.
Kumbi.
This city was the center of trade networks and learning in the Mali Empire, and served as its capital.
Timbuktu.
These singer-poets were regarded as human "record keepers" of individuals and families.
Griots.
This important region later broke off from the Mali Empire and later conquered the entire region.
Songhai.