What Is A Griot

Traditionally griots were of a social caste the art and important position of storytelling passed down from generations of griot families and as such not just anyone could become a griot. The griot profession is hereditary and has long been a part of west african culture.

The Centuries Old History Of The Griots Of West Africa Who Were

Griot definition is any of a class of musician entertainers of western africa whose performances include tribal histories and genealogies.

What is a griot. Praise songs are also part of the griot s repertoire. Griot mande jeli or jali wolof gewel west african troubadour historian. A member of a hereditary caste among the peoples of western africa whose function is to keep an oral history of the tribe or village and to entertain with stories poems songs dances etc most material 2005 1997 1991 by penguin random house llc.

The griots role has traditionally been to preserve the genealogies historical narratives and oral traditions of their people. A griot ˈ ɡ r iː oʊ. Jali or jeli djeli or djéli in french spelling.

Modified entries 2019 by penguin random house llc and harpercollins publishers ltd. The griot is a repository of oral tradition and is often seen as a leader due to his or her position as an advisor to royal personages. Kevel or kewel.

In addition griots were responsible for keeping all the births deaths and marriages throughout the generations of the family or village. Griot definition a member of a hereditary caste among the peoples of western africa whose function is to keep an oral history of the tribe or village and to entertain with stories poems songs dances etc. Gewel is a west african historian storyteller praise singer poet or musician.

Ancient Africa For Kids Griots And Storytellers