The Mandinka Empire

The members of the West African ethnic group known as the Mandinka (Mandingo or Manlike) define themselves as the genetic or cultural descendants of the protohistoric Kingdom of Mali (“Culture Mandinka”). The Mandika Empire has undergone many changes in their extensive history, while keeping adequately accurate records using oral traditions instead of written language.
In the early thirteenth century, they expanded from the Niger River basin, into what is known today as the West African coast, to obtain better land for agriculture and conquest. (“Culture Mandinka”; "Mandinka Gambia"). Their religious beliefs were dominantly animist until a 99% conversion to Islam during the 18th Century ("Mandinka Gambia").
The stratification of this

Although a caste member, griots or jalis were well regarded because of their function in society. “To be a griot, you had to be born a griot” (Uprising by Imiuswi Aborigine). They were, as still are today, historians, genealogists, praise singers, professional musicians and deliverers of social and diplomatic messages (Gambia Information Site). It seems that history would be easily lost with this oral method of documentation. If the griot’s linage dies out, the history that family is responsible for maintaining also dies and is forever lost. Just as if a library burns (Uprising by Imiuswi Aborigine). Modern day griot, Prince Diabate, tells us that if a family member had the opportunity to pay the griot, the griot would then compose a song of that family’s linage and it would always stay in the family name so that even great-great-grandchildren could learn of their history (Uprising by Imiuswi Aborigine). The music was passed between griots; from father to son or mother to daughter, to maintain the record (Uprising by Imiuswi Aborigine). Typically, the were two kinds of griots; one who sings and one who plays their signature instrument, the Kora (Fig. 1)(Gilden). I have contemplated the reasoning behind the two types. In my thinking, perhaps some of this caste were not talented both in vocals and instrument. In order for them to fulfill their born tasks, they might have had to perform in this