Big Idea

A civilization is a product of the forces of geography surrounding it.

Unit Questions:

• To what extent were the civilizations of Western African changed by outside ideas?
• How is Africa a continent of great geographic contrasts?
• How did geography/climate affect the development of different African communities?
• In what ways did trade bring Africa new opportunities and challenges?

Activity: Masks and Stories

As we end our study of Africa, we will pause to research some of the unique folklore that comes from this region's long history of storytelling.

1. Use the resources below to read and listen to stories explaining natural forces, duties of rulers and the ruled, and the trickery of some very clever animals. Review at least three before choosing a story to tell.
2. Choose a character from the story and look up examples of African masks for inspiration.
3. Draw a picture of the mask you are going to create. It must be colored. This design is due before you can begin your project.
4. Using making tape over a recycled plastic container, create the backing for your painting. Be sure to follow Mr. Jasper's example so that you don't end up with a mummy.
5. Paint your mask!

Resources:

While it should be noted that there were large communities of Christians and Muslims throughout Africa, there were many native gods, goddesses, revered ancestors, and spirits of the land and sky which were a part of many African's lives. The following resources focus on the stories of those native beliefs.

• Youtube playlist of African Folklore, beware of the strange 1990's cartoons which are mixed in there.
• Collection of South African Folklore
• Second collection of South African Folklore
• Some pretty entertaining West African Folklore
• Basic cosmology of Africa

Activity: Mansa Musa's Riches

Mansa Musa was a spectacularly wealthy king in 1200's Africa, but how rich was he? As rich as Bill Gates? As rich as Steve Jobs was? Some historians believe that he was the wealthiest man to ever live, but as historians, you will have to decide for yourselves.

Instructions:

1. With your partner, read THIS ARTICLE from the Huffington Post and answer the following questions on a separate piece of paper. Be prepared to share out.
   • What is the claim made by the post?
   • What two warrants does the post use to bolster its claim?
   • What evidence did it use to support its warrants?
2. Take notes on the Mali presentation.
3. With your partner, read THIS PRIMARY SOURCE DOCUMENT from Al-Umari, who visited Mansa Musa in 1324, at the height of his power. Answer the following questions on the same piece of paper you used to answer the first set.
   • Who is Al-Umari? Is he a reliable source on Mansa Musa's pilgrimage? Why or why not?
   • How does this author's description of King Musa and his wealth compare to Huffington Post's?
   • How does emir Abu describe King Musa to Al-Umari? What traits does Mansa Musa supposably possess?
   • Do you think that Al-Umari's description is correct? Why or why not?
4. Decide and write: Was Mansa Musa the richest man to ever live? How do you know?

Important Links:

• Study Guide for Quiz #6 African Geography and Trade Networks
• Study guide for quiz #7 Kingdom of Mali and African Achievements