Mali

The Change of Roles in Society In the Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali by D.T. Niane, the women are not hidden behind their husbands because they play an important role in society, as a mother is to her child. The power of motherhood and devotion to family and culture allows them to remain empowered. As opposed to being submissive to their husbands like women in the Muslim society. In the Malinke society, men and women are equal. Women have authority in the society and they take pride in showing…

where they needed to go quicker than they could walk. Not only was this a pragmatic event, it also brought about people of diverse origins and enabled the mixing of culture and religion. This phenomenon brought about the rise of the empires of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai. Because of the trading activity and prosperous nature of some of the land, this enticed some traders to stay and settle along the Savannah Belt. Not only did they stay, they later married Bantu women in…

for any country. All these factors have both direct and indirect roles in the development of a country's’ culture. Senegal once was part of the West African Empire of Ghana, Tekur, and Mali. The nation takes its name from the river that runs along its north-east borders, making the frontier with Mauritania and Mali. A poetic saying from the Wolof people states that the name derives from the local term Sunugal, meaning "our dugout canoe" (everyone is in the same boat). The Republic of Senegal…

Battuta travels mid-thirteenth century as a religious seeker with the company of merchants’ journeying to Mali, an Islamic powered country governed by Mansa Sulayman. Being in Walata, Battuta is shocked to see that men and women can have affairs without anyone getting jealous, and are shameless of this practice. The women are more respectable than men, and do not veil themselves. Now in Mali, people praise and obey their ruler, who shows no mercy to anyone when it comes to bringing justice.…

The republic of Mali is located in western Africa, with a population of around 15 million people. Making it the 24th largest country in the world. Mali also is notably one of the poorest countries in the world. Last summer, I had the opportunity to travel alongside with other students as part of the Students Travel and Exposure South Africa (STAESA) to provide a helping hand to the people of the village of Tiby, which is located in the southern region of the city of Segou. The STAESA is…

In West Africa, the “human experiment” lasted for hundreds of years. West Africans developed agriculture independently. This led to large, complex states. Eventually, more connections between the world zones hurt West African civilizations. The start of West African states West Africa developed agriculture on its own, like the Fertile Crescent did earlier. Starting around 3000 BCE, West Africans began to grow more food. This food was extra energy that supported more people than did hunting and…

History of Technology: Interpreting the Context around the Camel In The Camel and the Wheel, by Richard W. Bulliet, Bulliet argues that the camel replaced the wheel in certain regions of the world. Bulliet discusses the domestication of camels, using them for transporting loads, and people. Bulliet argues that due to the camel’s ability to survive in desert climates, and its usefulness as a pack animal, it replaced the wheel entirely until currently. In History: Neglected Clue to…

Askia the Great – Prosperity of the Songhai Empire Songhai Empire, located in West Africa, reached its peak under the leadership of Askia the Great, an authoritative military leader. He not only expanded the border of the empire but also encouraged education for its citizens. In addition, Askia augmented trade with foreign countries and set up regulations on measurements and customs. He also unified and controlled the nation efficiently by centralizing the government. Under his reign, Songhai…

The need to memorialize and commemorate people and events has been a timeless tradition among humans and the lost Kingdom of Benin is no different. Created in the years, circa 1550-1650, one of over 900 plaques made to honor the Oba and record the events of the Court of Benin, this particular plaque, labeled Oba and attendants is a strong example of the craftsmanship and skill of the people of Benin. Through the use of various techniques, such as hierarchical scale and symbolism, the plaque…

Ghana, West Africa was the sixth African nation to gain independence on March 6, 1957, and only the fourth to gain independence from British rule. Formerly known as the Gold Coast, Ghana was and is still know for its riches, which ere gold, diamonds, and cocoa. One very influential pioneer political leader was Kwame Nkrumah who helped, not only Ghana, but also many African nations in their endeavor in decolonizing Africa. As many countries, which are just getting their footing after being ruled…