Question

Legends and community histories orally by specialised story-tellers were passed down from generation to generation in Mali and were often accompanied by what?

1) Music and dance
2) Visual art
3) Theatrical performances
4) Written manuscripts

Answer 1

In Mali, Griots or specialized storytellers would recite oral histories and legends often accompanied by music, played on traditional West African stringed instruments such as the Kora and Ngoni.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of Mali’s cultural history, specialized story-tellers, known as Griots, played a crucial role in preserving history and community stories. These Griots would recite the oral histories and legends of Ancient Mali and Songhai, often accompanied by traditional music. This music was an essential part of the storytelling process and was typically performed using unique West African stringed instruments such as the Kora and Ngoni.

The connection between oral storytelling and music is not exclusive to Mali; it is a prevalent cultural practice observed in many societies with a strong oral tradition. These societies value the lived “performance” of history and see it as a way to connect to their ancestry and maintain their cultural identity.