The ruler who preceded me did not believe that it was impossible to reach the extremity of the ocean that encircles the earth (the Atlantic Ocean). He wanted to reach that (end) and was determined to pursue his plan. So he equipped two hundred boats full of men, and many others full of gold, water and provisions sufficient for several years. He ordered the captain not to return until they had reached the other end of the ocean, or until he had exhausted the provisions and water. So they set out on their journey. They were absent for a long period, and, at last just one boat returned. When questioned the captain replied: 'O Prince, we navigated for a long period, until we saw in the midst of the ocean a great river which was flowing massively.. My boat was the last one; others were ahead of me, and they were drowned in the great whirlpool and never came out again. I sailed back to escape this current.' But the Mansa would not believe him. He ordered two thousand boats to be equipped for him and his men, and one thousand more for water and provisions. Then he conferred the regency on me for the term of his absence, and departed with his men, never to return nor to give a sign of life.

• key texts of Islam, including Korans, collections of Hadiths  (actions or sayings of the Prophet), Sufi texts and devotional texts
• works of Islamic law
• texts representative of the Islamic sciences, including grammar, mathematics and astronomy
• original works from the region, including contracts, commentaries, historical chronicles, poetry, and marginal notes and jottings, which have proved to be a surprisingly fertile source of historical data.

It was Arab traders who first brought the new religion to the kingdom of Mali. Many of them were educated and religious men who through speech and the books of learned writers managed to spread the word. Malians who became traders, and who moved further from their roots, began abandoning their old religion and adopting Islam which proved a passport for entry into northern markets. Traders were followed by Arab immigrants who came as judges, imams and teachers and who settled in the country. They were treated with respect and one Mansa (king) even married his daughters to two of them. Mosques were built, and Islamic influences were felt in architecture, poetry, cooking and even dress. Men were sent to study in Moroccan madrasas (religious schools). Timbuktu became a major centre of Islamic culture and learning. Even so, in the villages much of the old religion remained, and Ibn Battuta was shocked to discover, even at court, old ceremonial dances being performed during an Islamic religious festival.   

1. Tawhid: The Testimony (faith in English) is the Muslim belief that there is no god but Allah himself, and that Muhammad is his messenger.
2. Sallah: Muslims pray five times a day, at special times of the day. When they pray, they face the holy city of Mecca. 
3. Zakah: Muslims who have money must give [[|Zakat|1/40th of their money]] (charity in English) to help people who do not have money or need help.
4. Sawm: Fasting during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic year. Muslims do not eat or drink from dawn till sunset for one lunar month. After Ramadan, there is a holiday called Eid al-Fitr (which means "festival of end-fast" in English). On Eid al-Fitr, Muslims usually go to the mosque in the morning for a special religious service, and then have a party with families and friends.
5. Pilgrimage (Hajj in Arabic): During the pilgrimage season, many Muslims go to Mecca, the holiest city of Islam. If a Muslim cannot make the hajj because they do not have the money or are not healthy enough, they do not have to

As in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, works of art were frequently made in perishable materials such as wood and fibers. When these objects deteriorated, artists were commissioned to create new ones. Old and damaged works were abandoned or appropriately discarded, creating a constant need for new works. Objects made of more durable materials, like terracotta or metal, indeed survive.

These sculptures from the country of Mali were created sometime between the 13th and 15th centuries.  We do not know how they were used. The primary reason for the survival of this sculpture is the permanence of the material--fired clay or terracotta. Unlike wood, fired clay does not deteriorate over time, although it can be broken. Although both sculptures have sustained some damage, enough of their original forms remain for us to recognize the subject matter and appreciate the artistry.

They were unearthed near Djenne in the Inland Delta region of the Niger River, the heart of the Mali Empire between the 13th and 16th centuries. 

These sculptures represent warriors dressed in military gear. They are equipped with quivers (cases to hold arrows) on their backs and knives strapped to each of their left arms. The horse is equipped with a bridle and ceremonial adornment around its neck. Early Arabic documents attest to the importance of the court's cavalry and describe riders wearing wide-legged pants, close-fitting caps and anklets and carrying quivers.  Mansa Musa's cavalry was reported to have been 100,000 strong. The manufacture of all this equipment requires a prosperous economy with access to a wide variety of materials, either through indigenous production or through trade to supply the craftsmen with the materials to make the equipment.

The equestrian is noteworthy because of its depiction of a horse, an animal not indigenous to Africa. Because horses in this area required so much care and maintenance, their presence usually indicated a society with the wealth and resources to ensure their well-being. 

A considerable number of Djenne pieces included an appliqué zigzag pattern, such as the scarification that she bears on her distended stomach. On such statuettes, they are interpreted as serpent motifs. The protruding navel, the pointed breasts and the accentuated nipples, heighten her angularity. Her eyes and mouth both protrude which is typical of Djenne style as are the rings on her arms. Ritual scarification has also occurred on her face and her hands. However, the most amazing and beautiful feature that she has is her long, flowing hair. Carefully incised, it flows gently down her back and curves around her, and rests on her feet. It is such beauty and precision that makes the Djenne pieces so unique, and never allows the eye to become bored but instead allows it to roam and take notice of each individual aspect.