In an inspiring blend of storytelling and archaeology, the ancient kingdom of Kaabu, which thrived from the 1500s to the 1800s in what is now Guinea-Bissau and Senegal, is coming to life again thanks to the griotstraditional West African storytellers. These cultural custodians play a pivotal role in preserving the history of their communities, weaving tales filled with rich details through songs, poems, and narratives.

Recently, griots have gained prominence, particularly highlighted in the recent number one movie in America, Sinners, set against the backdrop of 1930s Mississippi. The movie features a voiceover in its opening animation that emphasizes the duality of the griots' art, stating that it can bring healing to communities but, in the context of the film, can also attract evil.

This artistic revival coincides with archaeological work that is shedding light on the long-lost kingdom of Kaabu. The kingdom is well-documented in griot songs, which serve as a crucial historical resource. Sirio Cans-Donnay, an archaeologist from the University of Valencia, noted, It played a key role in many events of historical importance for the world, including early African statehood. Interestingly, Kaabu was never directly visited by Europeans, despite the trade interactions between its people and European traders.

Driven by a quest to uncover the physical remnants of this historical Camelot, Cans-Donnay, along with a group of Senegalese archaeologists, began excavations in early 2024 at the site believed to be the capital of Kaabu, known as Kansala. Their efforts have already yielded significant findings, affirming much of what griots have recounted through generations.

As Nino Galissa, a modern-day griot and descendant of Kaabu's first griots, stated, Now, it is clear through science that what we have been saying about Kansala is true. This assertion underscores the griots role as the guardians of history, preserving narratives of their ancestors and maintaining a connection to the past.

The historical significance of Kaabu is deeply rooted in its origins. Emerging in the 13th century as a coastal province of the Mali Empire, it gained independence after the decline of Mali and became a powerful entity thriving on trade, including the slave trade, until its eventual decline due to external pressures in the late 19th century. The demise of Kaabu was steeped in tragedy; legend has it that the king, witnessing an advancing enemy army, made the devastating decision to ignite the capitals gunpowder stockpile, leading to the destruction of Kansala.

Cans-Donnay elaborated on the aftermath, stating, That's what European powers use that void that Kaabu has left to encroach upon the territory and start controlling things. This transformation is often viewed as the beginning of the end for independent African kingdoms prior to the era of colonialism.

Todays griots like Galissa continue to play an essential role in this cultural tapestry. He eloquently describes the kora, a harp-like instrument fundamental to griot music, saying, This instrument is a part of our life a part of my life. It's spiritual, it's entertaining, it's imaginative, and it's a companion. Galissa has chanted about Kaabu and Kansala for many years, though he often regarded the tales as almost mythical. To me, it was a kind of fiction, he admits, revealing the deep emotional connection he shares with these historical narratives.

Cans-Donnay has conducted several archaeological projects focused on Kaabu, but this particular excavation in Guinea-Bissau was essential for piecing together the kingdom's story. Acknowledging the importance of local involvement, Cans-Donnay emphasized, We dont proceed with excavations without the explicit consent of the local community. The community members were enthusiastic about the project, recognizing the significance of their heritage and the desire to bring attention to it.

Equipped with tools ranging from pickaxes to brushes, the archaeological team began their work. Although some remnants of the ancient city were visible above ground, the bulk of the archaeological treasures lay buried beneath the soil, anywhere from half a foot to four feet deep. The team meticulously mapped out nearly 150 acres of the site, amounting to an area equivalent to about 114 football fields.

The discoveries were remarkable, revealing remnants of fortifications, royal quarters, indications of extensive trade networks, and evidence of the catastrophic detonation that marked the kingdom's demise. Cans-Donnay emphasized that they had only scratched the surface of this vast site, which allows for future excavations to continue unveiling its secrets.

Importantly, this project is not merely about uncovering the past; its about empowering Africans to articulate their history from their own perspectives. Antonio Queba Banjai, a descendant of Kaabu's last emperors, expressed, The storytellers tell us where we come from. He noted that the songs of the griots are now more vivid than ever, allowing him to visualize a complete picture of his heritage.

Recognizing the integral role of griots in this archaeological endeavor, Cans-Donnay invited a group of them, including Galissa, to witness the excavation firsthand. The experience was profoundly moving for Galissa, who remarked, When you arrive at a place that people have spoken about your whole life and the characters we've sung about... it's like you were dreaming. Yet, he acknowledged the reality of their shared history, one that now has tangible evidence.

Upon concluding the dig, the archaeologists presented Galissa with a final report and invited him to transform their findings into a songa unique opportunity to meld traditional griot storytelling with archaeological insights. It was absolutely amazing to see our work being turned into an epic itself, Cans-Donnay said, highlighting the collaborative nature of their project.

In his new song, Galissa not only recounted the findings of the excavation but also emphasized a profound truth: the stories told by the griots are rooted in reality. He expressed pride in the work, stating, The archaeologists returned to us a sense of pride that people can now truly understand the role of griots as historians. This collaboration bridges the gap between tradition and modern scholarship, ensuring that the legacy of Kaabu is preserved for future generations.

As this remarkable intersection of archaeology and oral history unfolds, it becomes clear that the story of Kaabu is not just a relic of the past; it is a living narrative, continually enriched by the voices of its griots.

Photojournalist Ricci Shryock contributed to this compelling story, which highlights not only the significance of historical exploration but also the enduring power of storytelling.