Nino Galissa, a seventh-generation griot in Guinea-Bissau, composed a song about the recent archaeological excavation of Kansala, the legendary capital of the lost kingdom in West Africa. Ricci Shryock for NPR hide caption
A griot is a storyteller who preserves history through stories, poems, and songs.
Part of West African culture, griots play a crucial role in passing down history through art forms.
The oral history shared by griots inspired archaeologists to excavate the mythical kingdom of Kaabu.
From the 1500s to the 1800s, Kaabu held sway over modern-day Guinea-Bissau and Senegal.
Descendants of Kaabu's rulers, like Abulai Sane, continue to preserve the kingdom's history.
Through the songs of griots, the story of Kaabu's rise and fall has been passed down for generations.
Archaeologists like Sirio Canós-Donnay have unearthed the capital city of Kaabu, shedding light on its historical significance.
The excavation of Kansala provides physical evidence of Kaabu's once-mighty capital.
Modern griots like Nino Galissa continue to narrate the history of Kaabu through their songs.
Galissa emphasizes the role of griots in interpreting and preserving the legacy of Kaabu.
Through the excavation of Kansala, researchers aim to validate the historical accounts passed down by griots.
The excavation of Kansala brings to light the historical truths behind the legends of Kaabu.
Discover the rich history of the lost kingdom of Kaabu through the songs of griots and archaeological findings.