Final answer:
The Mandinka people, part of the Mande culture in Mali, valued the spoken word with Griots playing a central role in preserving and conveying history and knowledge. Mali's wealth stemmed from its control over trade routes, with the Niger River playing a major role in its prosperity. Relations between Yoruba city-states and Mali were shaped by varying geopolitical factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tribe in Mali that attributed "power" to the spoken word were the Mandinka people, part of the larger Mande culture. This belief in the power of the spoken word is evident through the role of the Griots, who were revered oral historians and musicians. They passed down histories, stories, and praise songs of Ancient Mali and Songhai, often while playing traditional stringed instruments like the Kora and Ngoni, which demonstrated the societal respect and significance attributed to oral tradition and the spoken word in Mandinka culture.
Discussing the wealth of the Mali kingdom, it was primarily derived from its control over the trans-Saharan trade routes and the resources traded therein, such as gold and salt. The geographic and economic significance of the Niger River can also not be understated as it served as a vital trade route for the kingdom, providing means for transportation, communication, and irrigation, enhancing Mali's agricultural success.
Political relations between Yoruba city-states and larger entities like Mali were complex. As with any political landscape involving multiple states, alliances and conflicts were persistent, with power dynamics being shaped by military strength, trade relationships, and diplomatic exchanges over time.