Please Define the Following Key Terms

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The Answer is A griot or griotte refers to a West African historian, storyteller, praise singer, poet, or musician who serves as a repository of oral tradition. The term "griot" is used for male practitioners, while "griotte" is the female equivalent. They are often seen as leaders and keepers of the cultural history and genealogy of their people, and their role is passed down through generations, often within the same family lines.

Griots/griottes are traditionally responsible for maintaining an extensive oral record of tribal history in the form of stories, epics, songs, and poems, which are often performed with the accompaniment of traditional instruments. They are skilled orators and performers, and their performances are not merely for entertainment but serve to preserve the history, moral values, and cultural identity of their people.

The knowledge that griots/griottes possess is vast and includes not only historical facts but also the social and political customs, the genealogies of noble families, the laws and orders of society, as well as the tales and myths that make up the spiritual beliefs of the community. They are often consulted on matters of history and law, and their role can also include that of a mediator or advisor.

The tradition of the griot/griotte is an integral part of the culture in many West African societies, including the Mande, Wolof, Serer, Hausa, and Fulani peoples, among others. Their art form is a key method of preserving and transmitting the cultural heritage of these societies, and it has been recognized by UNESCO as an important part of the world's intangible cultural heritage.

Please Define the Following Key Terms

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