Mali: The Griot Storytellers

5. To protect something from being lost or forgotten, like Griots preserving history through their art.
6. The skill of managing relationships and resolving disputes, a role often played by Griots in their communities.
7. A storyteller, historian, and musician from West Africa, often regarded as the keeper of a community’s history and traditions through oral narratives.
11. A line of descendants from an ancestor, often celebrated and recorded by Griots in their storytelling.
12. The lasting impact or inheritance left behind by individuals or cultures, such as the Griot’s contributions to history.
14. The importance or connection of something to the present day, like how Griot traditions still resonate in modern Mali.
17. The traditions, culture, and history passed down through families or communities, shaping their identity.
18. The act of presenting a story, music, or art to an audience, often central to a Griot’s role.
19. Having a musical quality, often used to describe the harmonious sound of Griot performances accompanied by traditional instruments.
20. The study of family history and lineage, often recounted by Griots to preserve ancestral connections.

1. A long-established custom or practice handed down through generations, forming a key part of cultural identity.
2. A person who records events and stories in detail, preserving them for future reference, much like the role of a Griot.
3. A story or account of events, real or imagined, often structured and told to convey meaning or preserve history.
4. Identity The shared customs, beliefs, and values that define a group of people, often reinforced through Griot storytelling.
8. An experience that fully engages your senses and makes you feel like you’re part of the story or event.
9. A 21-stringed West African instrument used by Griots to create melodic accompaniments to their storytelling.
10. A wooden xylophone-like instrument used in West African music, commonly accompanying Griot performances.
13. Someone who takes care of something valuable, such as a Griot safeguarding cultural history for future generations.
15. A long, heroic story or poem that often involves legendary figures and grand adventures.
16. Tradition The practice of passing knowledge, history, and stories by word of mouth rather than through written texts.