Griot

The 13th century saw the birth and origins of the Griots. The Western African Mande, an empire in the nation of Mali, became the center of origins. Known as the custodians of history, the Griot's job was to receive and preserve genealogical and cultural history; elderly men and women of wisdom, whose depth of knowledge anchored the traditions of their communities. These elders are found in every tribe throughout Africa. They are standing cornerstones of their communities. The preservation of village stories, wisdom, and proverbs, as well as the recording of births and deaths, was bestowed on Griots. This responsibility has continued in most parts of Africa today. Rigorous training of a new generation of Griots was conferred to the elders, whose sole responsibility was the safekeeping of all historical traditions and the passing on of wisdom to the next generation. This practice is a treasured tradition of all African communities, making the Griots living archives of the continent's wisdom.