Griots, a uniquely African profession, fulfill a variety of roles as genealogists, historians, spokespersons, diplomats, musicians, teachers, praise singers, and advisors. Telling the story of these remarkable wordsmiths and performers, Thomas A. Hale addresses the nature of their verbal and musical art, the role of female griots, or griottes, how griots and griottes fit into their societies, and what their future might be in Africa and the rest of the world.

A comprehensive guide to the music and verbal artistry of West Africa's griots

About the Author

Thomas A. Hale is Liberal Arts Professor of African, French, and Comparative Literature at The Pennsylvania State University. He is editor of The Epic of Askia Mohammed (IUP, 1996) and co-editor (with John William Johnson and Stephen Belcher) of Oral Epics from Africa (IUP, 1997).

Reviews

Thomas A. Hale's clearly written, informative work is a comprehensive historical and contemporary account of the griot phenomenon, which originated in West Africa. ...It is, in its entirety, of benefit to a variety of researchers from fields as diverse as history, music, anthropology and sociology, linguistics and literature.Volume 11.2 & 3, Spring 2010

* African Studies Quarterly *

Hale . . . provides here an encyclopedic introduction to and overview of this ubiquitous and important West African figure. . . . a valuable addition to the literature on both African societies and the African Diaspora. Upper-division undergraduates and above.October 1999

* Choice *

[An] encyclopedic introduction to and overview of this ubiquitous and important West African figure . . . . [A] valuable addition to the literature on both African societies and the African Diaspora.

* Choice *

[Reveals] griots to be much more complex and multifaceted social agents than previously understood.

* African Arts *

[Puts] the study of West African oral tradition on a higher level.

* International Journal of African Historical Studies *

Hale's magnum opus is an invaluable reference for scholars in religious studies, history, music, anthropology, linguistics, and literature.

* Religious Studies Review *



Book Information
ISBN 9780253219619
Author Thomas A. Hale
Format Paperback
Page Count 432
Imprint Indiana University Press
Publisher Indiana University Press
Weight(grams) 676g