Blending Oral Tradition and Archaeology to Reveal History
Recent archaeological excavations in Kansala, Guinea-Bissau, are shedding new light on the Kaabu Kingdom, a once-powerful West African empire that thrived from the mid-1500s to the 1800s. While the kingdom's history has long been preserved through oral tradition, these latest discoveries provide tangible evidence of events passed down through generations by griots—West African storytellers and historians.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this research is the role of music and oral history in interpreting the past. Nino Galissa, a musician and descendant of the griots who once performed for Kaabu’s last emperor, has composed a song inspired by the findings at Kansala. “The griots have always sung about it, but now we know it’s real,” he reflects.
Galissa’s song, created in collaboration with the Spanish National Research Council, is more than just a musical tribute—it serves as a bridge between academic research and local heritage, ensuring that the discoveries resonate with the community.
The Role of Griots in Preserving Kaabu’s Legacy
For centuries, the history of Kaabu was preserved and passed down through griots, often accompanied by the kora, a traditional West African string instrument. These oral historians played a critical role in documenting the kingdom’s rulers, conquests, and cultural traditions.
Antonio Queba Banjai, a descendant of Kaabu’s last emperors and president of the NGO Guinea-Lanta, highlights their importance:
“They are the missing piece of the puzzle. Without griots, we wouldn’t know our past.”
Recognizing the significance of oral tradition, the archaeological team integrated local historical narratives into their research, making this the largest excavation project ever conducted in Guinea-Bissau.
Lead researcher Sirio Canos-Donnay emphasizes the value of this interdisciplinary approach:
“We should respect local ways of producing and consuming history. Oral traditions offer extraordinary insights that written records alone cannot provide.”
Uncovering the Truth Behind Kaabu’s Dramatic Fall
One of the most famous stories in Kaabu’s history is its dramatic downfall in the 1860s. According to legend, during a siege, the kingdom’s ruler set fire to a gunpowder store, causing a massive explosion that destroyed Kansala, Kaabu’s capital.
Archaeological evidence at the site has confirmed signs of intense destruction, supporting the long-told griot accounts. This discovery provides physical proof of one of West Africa’s most legendary battles, bringing new clarity to the kingdom’s final moments.
Evidence of Trade and Cultural Connections
Beyond the dramatic end of Kaabu, excavations at Kansala have also revealed a rich history of trade and cross-cultural interactions. Among the artifacts uncovered were:
Venetian glass beads, indicating connections with European traders.
Dutch gin bottles, suggesting the presence of foreign goods in the local economy.
Ritual sites, where warriors may have blessed their weapons before battle.
These findings highlight Kaabu’s role as a major player in regional and international trade networks, expanding our understanding of its economic and cultural influence.
Recognizing Oral History as a Vital Historical Record
For many scholars, the excavation at Kansala reinforces the idea that oral history should be regarded as a legitimate source of historical knowledge.
Joao Paulo Pinto, former director of Guinea-Bissau’s National Institute of Study and Research, argues:
“West African history has often been overlooked because it wasn’t written down. But griots were historians in their own right. Their accounts deserve recognition.”
As more discoveries emerge, Banjai hopes that this project will inspire future generations to appreciate and preserve the rich histories of West African civilizations.
Kaabu’s Legacy Lives On
By merging archaeology with oral tradition, researchers are not only uncovering the lost history of Kaabu but also ensuring that its legacy continues to resonate with local communities and the world.
The kingdom’s story, once told only in song, is now being confirmed through science and excavation—a powerful reminder of how the past can come alive when different forms of history unite.
