Read Works
Read Works: West Africa Vibrant Traditions, Present Day Ghana
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about traditions in present day Ghana. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Louisiana Department of Education
Louisiana Doe: Louisiana Believes: Social Studies: Grade 6: West African Kingdoms
Read and study the sources about West African Kingdoms. Then use the two sources and your knowledge of social studies to answer the questions.
University of Oxford (UK)
Pitt Rivers Museum: Masks and Carvings: West Africa
A perfect resource to better understand the African art form of mask-making. Reading sections include religious beliefs, design and decoration, and manufacturing.
BBC
Bbc: Bitesize: Music of Africa
This site is a part of the About Music site of the BBC, and this interactive site lets you explore various parts of Africa, their music, their instruments, their sounds. Requires Real Player.
Council of Foreign Relations
Foreign Affairs: Africa's Economic Boom
This article looks at evidence that economies in sub-Saharan Africa are doing well, and some of the reasons things are not going as well as they may seem to be. Examines why economies are improving, and the serious, ongoing challenges....
Other
Afro Disc: Africa Music Reviews
A radio host talks about new music from West Africa. While profiling four popular artists, the substance in this site describes the flavor of the popular music.
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of Africa Art: Ancient West African City of Benin
A photographic exhibit of art objects from Benin from the period of 1300 to 1897 C.E. Extensive commentary is given for each object. Requires Adobe Reader. [PDF]
Countries and Their Cultures
Countries and Their Cultures: Songhay Marriage and Family
The Songhay are the fourth-largest ethnic group in Niger, West Africa. There are also considerable Songhay populations in Mali and Benin. They are closely related culturally to the Zarma. The Songhay are spread over a large area of...
Countries and Their Cultures
Countries and Their Cultures: Edo
"Edo" is the name that the people of the Benin Kingdom give to themselves, their language, and their capital city and kingdom. Renowned for their art of brass and ivory and for their complex political organization, the Edo Kingdom of...
University of Calgary
University of Calgary: Africa the Search for Gold and Slaves
Historical background of the reasons for European exploration of Africa. Tutorial Links to further European trade and exploration.
Other
Mali: Ancient Crossroads of Africa
Very thorough web site featuring a guide for teaching the history, geography, and economics of the early West African empire of Mali. By clicking on the links on top, you will uncover a wealth of resources providing information,...
Countries and Their Cultures
Countries and Their Cultures: Yoruba
Provides an overview of the traditional culture and lifestyle of the Yoruba of West Africa. Gives basic facts about location, language, folklore, foods, social customs, family life, education, religion, pastimes, societal challenges,...
Lizard Point Quizzes
Lizard Point: Western Africa: Countries Quiz
Test your geography knowledge by taking this interactive quiz over the countries of Western Africa.
Countries and Their Cultures
Countries and Their Cultures: Fulani
The Fulani are found in twenty nations in a wide swath of Africa -- from Mauritania and Senegal to Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya. The Fulani form the largest pastoral nomadic group in the world. The Bororo'en are noted for the size of their...
Countries and Their Cultures
Countries and Their Cultures: Mande
"Mande" is a term that has been used to identify the culture that embraces the western third of Africa's great northern savanna and coastal forests. The Mali Empire was the source of the Mande diaspora; therefore, in a broad sense,...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Farming the Desert: The Science Behind Desertification
This lesson introduces students to the factors that contribute to desertification and solutions that have been implemented in the Sahel region of West Africa. A 21-page teaching guide is also provided. [4:39]
Digital History
Digital History: Enslavement
A very good description of how Africans were enslaved in Africa for sale to the Europeans. See how the introduction of European weapons changed the dynamic in West Africa.
Library of Congress
Loc: Islamic Manuscripts From Mali
Library of Congress site features 32 Islamic manuscripts in Arabic from Timbukti, Mali, and West Africa.
Nations Online Project
Nations Online: Burkina Faso
A great country profile that takes you on a virtual trip to Burkina Faso in West Africa. An overview is given on its art, culture, people, environment, geography, history, economy, and government. There are also numerous links available...
Michigan State University
Michigan State University: Global Edge: Cote D'ivoire: Introduction
Complete guide to the statistics, history, economy, culture, politics, and demographics for Cote d'Ivoire in West Africa.
Michigan State University
Michigan State University: Global Edge: Guinea Bissau: Introduction
Discover statistics, history, economy, culture, politics, and demographics for the country of Guinea-Bissau in West Africa.
Nations Online Project
Nations Online: Benin
Features a colorful destination guide to Benin which is located in Western Africa. Provides background details, a country profile, and numerous links to comprehensive information on the nation's culture, history, geography, economy,...
Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation
Guggenheim Museum: Africa: Western Africa
A simple explanation of the Western Africa region of Africa, with information on the cultural history and examples of artwork.
Other
Guggenheim Museum: Africa: Western Africa
A simple explanation of the Western Africa region of Africa, with information on the cultural history and examples of artwork.
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