Wangara Tribe: Exploring the Secret Trade of Gold Dust
In this article, we will explore the history, culture, and legacy of the Wangara tribe, focusing on their role in the secret trade of gold dust.
Who are the Wangara?
The Wangara (also known as Wangarawa or Wangarans) are a tribe of people who primarily inhabit the Sahelian regions of West Africa.
They are believed to have originated from the Mandé people, who are predominantly found in Mali, Guinea, Senegal, and The Gambia.
The Wangara are known for their exceptional skills in trade, particularly in gold dust, which has earned them a prominent position in West African history.
The Secret Trade of Gold Dust
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Wangara tribe is their involvement in the secret trade of gold dust.
This trade was highly lucrative and involved the exchange of gold dust for salt and other commodities.
The Wangara were the middlemen in this trade, connecting the gold producers in the south with the salt traders in the north.
The Wangara tribe was highly respected for their trade skills and was sought after by kings and traders alike.
They would travel great distances, sometimes spanning hundreds of miles, to trade gold dust.
The Wangara were known for their secrecy and would not reveal the sources of their gold.
The trade was so secretive that European explorers and traders could not locate the source of the gold for centuries.
The Legacy of the Wangara
The Wangara tribe played a significant role in the development of West Africa’s economy and culture.
The trade of gold dust facilitated the development of a complex network of trade routes and markets, which contributed to the growth of urban centers in the region.
The Wangara were also responsible for the spread of Islam in West Africa, as they were devout Muslims and would often use their trade routes to spread their faith.
Wangara also left a lasting legacy in the arts and culture of West Africa.
They were skilled craftsmen and would create intricate gold jewelry, masks, and other decorative objects.
These objects were highly sought after by the elites of West Africa and were often used as a symbol of status and power.
The Wangara Today
Despite their significant contribution to West African history and culture, the Wangara tribe is now a minority group in West Africa.
The tribe has assimilated into the larger society, and their unique culture and traditions have been largely forgotten.
However, the legacy of the Wangara can still be seen in the art and architecture of West Africa, as well as in the traditions of the Mandé people.
Exploring the Wangara Trade Routes
The Wangara trade routes spanned vast distances, connecting the gold producers in the south with the salt traders in the north.
These trade routes were essential for the growth of West Africa’s economy and culture.
Let’s take a journey through some of the notable trade routes and markets of the Wangara.
The Taghaza Salt Mines
The Taghaza salt mines were located in the Sahara Desert, in present-day Mali.
This was one of the primary sources of salt for West Africa, and the Wangara would travel to Taghaza to exchange gold dust for salt.
The salt was then transported to the southern regions of West Africa, where it was used for food preservation and seasoning.
The River Niger
The River Niger was a crucial trade route for the Wangara, as it provided a direct route from the southern gold mines to the northern salt mines.
The Wangara would use canoes to transport their goods along the river, and the riverbanks were dotted with markets and trading posts.
The Ghana Empire
The Ghana Empire was one of the most prosperous kingdoms in West Africa, and the Wangara played a significant role in its economy.
The Wangara would travel to the capital city of Kumbi Saleh to trade gold dust for salt, textiles, and other commodities.
The Ghana Empire was also responsible for spreading Islam in West Africa, which was adopted by the Wangara.
The Mali Empire
The Mali Empire was the successor to the Ghana Empire and was one of the largest and most powerful empires in West African history.
The Wangara had a close relationship with the Mali Empire, and they would often trade gold dust for salt, textiles, and other goods.
The Mali Empire was also responsible for the construction of the famous mosque of Djenne, which was built by Wangaran craftsmen.
The Wangara and Islam
The Wangara were devout Muslims and would often use their trade routes to spread their faith.
They would bring Islamic scholars and teachers with them on their journeys and would establish mosques and schools in the regions they visited.
The Wangara were also responsible for the spread of Arabic script in West Africa, which was used to write the Quran and other Islamic texts.
Wangaran Art and Architecture
The Wangara were skilled craftsmen and were known for their intricate gold jewelry, masks, and other decorative objects.
These objects were highly sought after by the elites of West Africa and were often used as a symbol of status and power.
The Wangara also played a significant role in the construction of mosques and other Islamic buildings in West Africa.
The Great Mosque of Djenne, one of the most famous buildings in West Africa, was built by Wangaran craftsmen.
Assimilation and Legacy
The Wangara tribe is now a minority group in West Africa, and their unique culture and traditions have largely been forgotten.
The tribe has assimilated into the larger society, and their trade skills have been taken over by other groups.
However, the legacy of the Wangara can still be seen in the art and architecture of West Africa, as well as in the traditions of the Mandé people.
The Wangara played a significant role in the development of West Africa’s economy and culture, and their legacy should not be forgotten.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Wangara tribe is an important part of West African history and culture.
Their role in the secret trade of gold dust facilitated the growth of trade routes and markets, which contributed to the development of urban centers in the region.
The Wangara were skilled craftsmen and played a significant role in the spread of Islam in West Africa.
Although their unique culture and traditions have largely been forgotten, their legacy can still be seen in the art and architecture of West Africa today.
Thanks for reading.
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