A long-lost kingdom in West Africa, Kaabu, has come alive through the songs of griots and a new archaeological dig uncovering its forgotten melodies.
A Vanished Kingdom Comes Alive in the Songs of Griots and a New Archaeological Dig
The legend of Kaabu, a vanished kingdom in West Africa, has long been passed down through the songs of griots. These storytellers have played a crucial role in preserving the history of the kingdom, which held power from the 1500s to the 1800s and included modern-day Guinea-Bissau and Senegal.
Kaabu was a medieval West African empire located in what is now The Gambia and Senegal.
Established around the 13th century, it was known for its powerful army and strategic trade routes.
Kaabu's economy thrived on gold, salt, and ivory exports.
The empire was also a center of Islamic learning and culture.
Kaabu's decline began in the 16th century due to internal conflicts and external pressures from neighboring empires.
The Story of Kaabu’s Royalty
The story of Kaabu’s royalty and reign has been told for generations through the songs of griots. According to Sirio Canós-Donnay, an archaeologist at the University of Valencia, ‘It played a key role in many events of historical importance for the world, including early African statehood.‘ The kingdom’s capital city, Kansala, was reportedly never visited by Europeans, despite contact with the European powers.
Uncovering the Truth
In 2024, Canós-Donnay and her colleagues began the work of unearthing Kansala. They uncovered physical evidence of the kingdom’s capital, including a site where warriors would have come to bless their swords before going into battle. The excavation took place in what is now Guinea-Bissau.
The Role of Griots
Modern-day griots like Nino Galissa are not surprised by the discovery. ‘We are, above all, the guardians of history, of the people and places across the ages, and of the kings, ‘ says Galissa. The songs of the griots have been a crucial part of preserving the history of Kaabu.
A New Song
Once the excavation concluded, Canós-Donnay gave Galissa a copy of the final report. She asked if he might transform their findings into song as a way of sharing the work with the community. Galissa accepted and wrote lyrics about the aspect of all this that touched him – that what the griots sing about is real.
A Sense of Pride
Galissa’s song described some of the findings of the dig, but also emphasized the importance of understanding the role of griots as historians. The archaeological dig has given a sense of pride to the community, allowing them to tell their own story and perspective.
A New Perspective
Antonio Queba Banjai, a direct descendant of the last emperor of Kaabu, says that the songs of the griots are more vivid to him now – like movies. ‘In my head, in my mind, I can make a picture so that things can be complete, ‘ he says. The excavation has given the community a new perspective on their history and heritage.
A Dialogue Between Past and Present
The archaeological dig has created a dialogue between past and present, allowing the griots to share their knowledge with the community. Canós-Donnay’s approach was critical in involving the griots throughout the excavation process, ensuring that their role as historians was recognized and valued.
Bringing History to Life
The excavation of Kansala has brought history to life for the community. The site has been sketched on a map totaling nearly 150 acres, equivalent to about 114 football fields. The team found fortresses, quarters of the king, indications of extensive trade, and evidence of a detonation centuries ago.
A New Era of Discovery
The excavation of Kansala marks a new era of discovery for the community. The archaeological dig has given them a sense of pride and ownership over their history, allowing them to tell their own story and perspective.
