West African

Architecture with mud mosques and courtyard compounds.

Overview

West African architecture, using mud and wood, features mosques and family compounds, prominent in Mali and Nigeria.

Core Characteristics

• Mud-walled mosques.
• Courtyard compounds.
• Vernacular prevalence.

Notable Examples

• Great Mosque of Djenné (Mali, 13th century).
• Ashanti Compounds (Ghana, traditional).

Architectural Connections

• Islamic: Religious focus.
• Residential: Compounds.
• African Architecture: Core movement.

Influence and Legacy

Led by West African craftsmen, it reflects Islamic and indigenous styles.

Related Concepts & Techniques

Mud Plastering (technique), Functionalism (theory), Courtyard (element), Islamic Architecture (movement)