Unajua? – The minaret of the Chinguetti mosque in Mauritania is said to be the second oldest one in the world, West African architecture is fascinating!
People in West Africa have been building all sorts of homes and buildings throughout history and many are still standing today!
Architecture is an art form that is a representation of West African life and culture throughout history.
Read –> Inside 9 African Traditional Houses & Structures You Can Visit
This article shows you 17 pictures of modern and ancient West African architecture.
You will see West African houses and buildings and read about their history while learning why they are important today.
This article is part of the West African Art series
17 Pictures To Show You What Modern And Ancient West African Architecture Looks Like
Taarifa
Taarifa means information in Kiswahili. Under every image is the word “Taarifa” which gives you information about the building in the photo.
Click Here To Read About African Independence Movements
Time Periods in this article
This articles shows you modern and ancient West African architecture.
The term “ancient West African architecture” is usually used to describe West African precolonial and traditional architecture from around 2600 BC to the 17th century AD.
Sudano-Sahelian architecture is a form of ancient West African architecture.
Sudano-Sahelian architecture is mainly made up of mud mosques, palaces and fortresses in the Sahel and the Sudan regions of West Africa.
Most were made during the times of ancient kingdoms of West Africa like the Mali Empire, the Kingdom of Djenné and the Songhai Empire.
The term “modern West African architecture” is generally used to describe post colonial and modern architecture sometimes influenced by ancient West African architecture.
ANCIENT WEST AFRICAN ARCHITECTURE
Sudano-Sahelian Architecture
#1 West African Architecture
Great mosque of djenne
The Great Mosque of Djenné is one of the most famous examples of Sudano-Sahelian and West African architecture.
It was first built around the 13th century and rebuilt many times. The Great Mosque of Djenné is the largest building made out of mud in the world.
Every year it is overlayed with mud at the festival of the Crépissage de la Grande Mosquée.
The Great Mosque of Djenné is a UNESCO World Heritage site in the the Djenné Circle, where you can find the archaeological sites of Djenné-Djeno.
Taarifa 💡
Great Mosque of Djenné Kingdom of Djenné Materials: Mudbrick Time Period: 13th–14th century Location: Djenné, Mali, West Africa
BluesyPete, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
#2 West African Architecture
Djingareyber Mosque
The Djingareyber Mosque is one of three madrassas, or schools, that made up the University of Timbuktu.
The 14th century historian Ibn Khaldun said that the architect of the Djingareyber Mosque was Abu Ishaq Al Sahili and that he was paid 12,000 mithkals of gold dust for the work. But not everyone agrees with him and think that it is a myth.
People also said that Mansa Musa, the ruler of the Mali Empire, paid 200kg of gold to build the mosque in 1325.
The Djingareyber Mosque was renovated by the Qadi of Timbuktu Aqib ibn Mahmud in the 16th century.
The mosque is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1988 but it is also on the list of World Heritage Sites in danger.
Taarifa 💡
Djingareyber Mosque Empire of Mali Architects: Abu Ishaq Al Sahili (maybe) also the Qadi Aqib ibn Mahmud Materials: mudbrick, fibre, straw and wood reinforced with limestone Time Period: 1327 (completed) Location: Timbuktu, Mali, West Africa
Flickr user: Emilio Labrador Santiago de Chile, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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#3 West African Architecture
Chinguetti mosque
The Chinguetti Mosque, or the Great Chinguetti Mosque is an example of the greatness of West African architecture.
The minaret of the Chinguetti Mosque, which is the tower shown above, is said to be the second oldest minaret still in use in the world.
The city of Chinguetti was founded in 777 AD and it used to be an important stop in the trans-Saharan trade route.
Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site within the Ancient Ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt and Oualata but it endangered because of desertification.
The Great Chinguetti Mosque is a national emblem of the country of Mauritania.
Taarifa💡
Chinguetti Mosque People: Berber traders and scholars Materials: split stone, clay Time Period: 13th-14th century Location: Chinguetti, Mauritania, West Africa
Mohamed Natti, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
INSIDE 9 AFRICAN TRADITIONAL HOUSES & STRUCTURES THAT YOU CAN ACTUALLY VISIT
#4 West African Architecture
Traditional Building in ouadane
This is a typical “ancient” building in the town of Ouadane which was, like Chinguetti, Tichitt and Oualata, and important town in the trans-Saharan trade.
Caravans would pass through cities like Ouadane in the Sahara desert transporting gold and salt on camels’ back.
Ouadane is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with filled with buildings like the one above. Ouadane is near the Eye of the Sahara aka the Richat Structure.
A lot of the early history of Ouadane is unknown, or uncertain, but this building was built over hundreds of years ago.
Taarifa 💡
Ouadane Building People: Berber Material: mudbrick Time Period: 12th-16th centuries Location: Ouadane, Mauritania, West Africa
المخطار ولد الورك, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
#5 West African Architecture
Traditional Buildings in Djenne
On this road in the town of Djenné (it’s close to the Great Mosque of Djenné) you can find many Sudano-Sahelian buildings.
Djenné is one of the oldest towns in Africa, people have lived there since the 3rd century BC, when it was the ancient city Djenné-Djeno, which was also an important stop in the trans-Saharan trade.
The city of Djenné has almost 2,000 traditional houses that are still standing!
The Old Towns of Djenné are on the UNESCO World Heritage.
Djenne is also known for its ancient artifacts. See them here.
Taarifa 💡
Buildings in Djenné Material: mudbrick Time Period: 15-16th centuries Location: Djenné, Mali, West Africa
Gilles MAIRET, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Read 15 Types of Clothing in Medieval Africa Every Time Traveller Should Own its 100% foolproof guys
#6 West African Architecture
Traditional House in oualata
This is a typical traditional house in the town of Oualata in Mauritania which was part of the important cities of a trans-Saharan trade route, now it is a World Heritage Site.
It is said that the first people to live in the town of Oualata were close or related to the Mande Soninke people. There, they built what are some of the oldest stone buildings in Africa.
The sandstone buildings are plastered with mudbrick and many have geometric designs, like the one pictured above.
Oualata was part of the Ghana Empire and later, by the 14th century it was part of the Mali Empire. Oualata slowly lost its importance and was replaced by Timbuktu.
Taarifa 💡
Building in Oualata Material: sandstone, mudbrick Location: Oualata, Mauritania, West Africa
c.hug, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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#7 West African Architecture
palace gate of the Emir of Zaria
The gate to the Emir of Zaria’s palace is in the city of Zaria in Nigeria. Zaria used to be called Zazzau which was the capital of the Hausa Kingdom of Zazzau.
Today the emir of Zazzau is the lawyer, banker and diplomat Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli.
This gate in particular is called the gate of Fada, which means gate of the palace.
Queen Amina was the most famous ruler of Zazzau. She ruled in the 16th century and she was: “Amina daughter of Nikatau, a woman as capable as a man that was able to lead men to war.”
The Gates of Hausa Kingdoms are national monuments of the Government of Nigeria.
Taarifa 💡
Palace gate of the Emir of Zaria Kingdom of Zazzau Time Period: c. 16th century Location: Zaria, Nigeria, West Africa
Shiraz Chakera, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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#8 West African Architecture
bandiagara escarpment
The Bandiagara Escarpment in the Sahel region of Mali has many traditional West African houses built on cliffs.
The Tellem lived in the Bandiagara Escarpment between the 11th and 16th centuries. Tellem means “those who were before us” or “We found them” in Dogon.
There are still artifacts and objects from the ancient Tellem people in the escarpement.
The Tellem people built their houses at the base of the Bandiagara Escarpment and directly on the cliff!
Today the Dogon still use some of the ancient Tellem buildings like the granaries but they mostly live at the bottom or on top of the Bandiagara Escarpment.
Kanaga Masks are famous Dogon masks. See them here.
Taarifa 💡
Bandiagara Escarpment People: Tellem Materials: clay Time Period: 11-16th centuries Location: Bandiagara escarpment, Mali, West Africa
Ferdinand Reus from Arnhem, Holland, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Inside 9 African Traditional Houses & Structures That You Can Actually Visit
#9 West African Architecture
sukur cultural landscape
The Sukur cultural landscape is in a city that dates back to the 16th century! Sukur is found in the Mandara Mountains and it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The settlement is in two parts the Sakur Sama and the other is the Sakur Kasa. The palace of the Hidi, or chief, is made out of granite and has a pen and a horse stable.
Today the chief and his wife live in the Sukur cultural landscape which is still used for ceremonies.
The Sukur cultural landscape is an important part of the heritage of Nigeria, and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Taarifa 💡
Sukur cultural landscape Kingdom of Sukur Materials: stone Time Period: c. 16th century Location: Sukur, Nigeria, West Africa
SULE, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
#10 West African Architecture
musgum mud huts
Found mostly in Cameroon, Musgum mud huts are houses made from mud by the Musgum people.
Musgum mud huts are made with mud, thatch and water using only a few tools and are built in many different shapes!
The geometric patterns on the outside of the houses are used like ladders for people during renovations.
Musgum mud huts reach 9 meters in height which, along with other factors, keep the houses cool inside.
You can see inside traditional African houses here.
Taarifa 💡
Musgum mud hut People: Musgum Materials: mud Year: 1913 (picture) Location: Cameroon, West Central Africa
Adolf Friedrich, Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, 1873-1969;Deutsche Zentral-Afrika-expedition, 1910-1911, No restrictions, via Wikimedia Commons
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#11 West African Architecture
takienta
The takienta is the traditional house of the Batammariba people in Koutammakou which is on the border of Togo and Benin.
The word Batammariba means “those who shape the earth” in Ditammari, the Batammariba language.
It takes many months to build a takienta and it can only be built by an expert, because they are very complex buildings that also hold a lot of spiritual meaning.
Today the Sikien, which is the plural of takienta, are a symbol of Togo and Benin.
The King of Benin’s outfit is here!
Koutammakou, the Land of the Batammariba is a UNESCO World Heritage site where there are thousands of sikien in which people live.
Taarifa 💡
Takienta People: Batammariba Materials: mudbrick Time Period: 21st century Location: Koutammakou, Togo, West Africa
Kalyss, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
#12 West African Architecture
besease shrine
The Besease shrine is one of the only examples of traditional Ashanti architecture which was made with wood, mud and straw and easily destroyed by the climate.
When Britain invaded the Ashanti Empire most of the Ashanti traditional buildings like the royal mausoleum were destroyed.
Ashanti shrines were used during the golden age of the Ashanti Empire in the 18th and 19th centuries. They are also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
What did the King of the Ashanti Empire Wear? Answered over here..
Taarifa 💡
Besease Shrine Empire of Ashanti Materials: mud, wood, straw Time Period: 19th century Location: Besease, Ghana, West Africa
Albgoess, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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#13 West African Architecture
tiébélé houses
The Tibélé village is known for its painted houses. It is inhabited by the Kassena people and located in Burkina Faso.
The West African houses in the Tibélé village at the Royal Court of Tiébélé are made out of mud, wood, cow dung and straw.
In the Tiébélé villages the houses are arranged according to the status of the population. The Kassena women are the only ones that decorate the houses with symbols and keep the tradition going.
Taarifa 💡
Traditional Tibélé village People: Kassena Materials: mud, wood, cow dung and straw Location: Tiebele, Burkina Faso, West Africa
Alexander Leisser, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Click To Read: Inside 9 African Traditional Houses & Structures That You Can Actually Visit
MODERN WEST AFRICAN ARCHITECTURE
#14 West African Architecture
ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development
The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) was made by Pierre Goudiaby Atepa in Lomé, Togo and is an great show of modern architecture in Africa.
The bridge represents the link between 15 countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The building itself has 13 floors and is on a 15 element structure.
The EBID is dedicated to African women; there’s a 3 meter wide sculpture of a mother, sister and daughter.
Learn How You Can Indentify 3 Popular Types Of West African Sculptures here
Pierre Goudiaby Atepa also designed the Yundum International Airport in Banjul, the Gambia.
Taarifa 💡
The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development Architect: Pierre Goudiaby Atepa Time Period: 21st century Location: Lome, Togo, West Africa
Edison McCullen, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped)
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#15 West African Architecture
gando primary school
The Gando Primary School is an example of modern architecture in Africa inspired by traditional African architecture.
The architect of the Gando Primary School is Francis Kéré whose home town is Gando.
Materials local to the area like clay and cement were used, using traditional and modern techniques, to keep the building cool.
The building does not need air conditioning thanks to the special way the roof and ceilling are placed which makes the building very eco-friendly!
The Gando Primary School won the 2004 Aga Khan Award for architecture. The population of Gando was part of the building process of the Gando Primary School.
Taarifa 💡
Gando Primary School People of Gando Architect: Francis Kéré Materials: clay, cement Year of completion: 2001 Location: Gando, Burkina Faso, West Africa
Helge Fahrnberger / www.helge.at, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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#16 West African Architecture
dominican chapel in ibadan
The Dominican Chapel in Ibadan was built by Demas Nwoko. The Dominican Order wanted the chapel to represent African tradition.
Demas Nwoko used traditional precolonial techniques and materials like brick, stone and glass. He only used local materials from Ibadan to build the Chapel.
The Chapel was left unfinished to represent Christianity that is always growing.
Taarifa💡
Dominican Chapel in Ibadan Architect: Demas Nwoko Materials: brick, stone, coloured glass, wood Year: 1970 Location: Ibadan, Nigeria, West Africa
Andrew Moore, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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#17 West African Architecture
place de la nation
The place de la nation was built in 2010 in the country of Chad.
It was created to commemorate the area in which many historical events took place. It was a military camp during many unforgettable times.
The 50 meters high arc pictured above shows the blue, yellow and red flag of the Republic of Chad.
Taarifa 💡
La Place de la nation Time Period: 2010 Location: La Place de la nation, Chad, West Central Africa
Yacoub, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Continue reading, friend..
What is the difference between ancient and modern buildings in your area?
If you are building a house and a nail breaks, do you stop building or do you change the nail?
~ African Proverb ~
Word Bank📚🧑🏿🏫
Caravan
Diplomat
Expert
Geometric
Renovate
References
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“Archnet > Site > Dominican Chapel and Multi-Purpose Hall.” Archnet.org, 2015, www.archnet.org/sites/4845.
Centre, UNESCO World Heritage. “Ancient Ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt and Oualata.” UNESCO World Heritage Centre, whc.unesco.org/en/list/750.
—. “Koutammakou, the Land of the Batammariba.” UNESCO World Heritage Centre, whc.unesco.org/en/list/1140/.
Dainese, Elisa. “Great Mosque of Djenné (Article).” Khan Academy, 2015, www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-art-history/africa-apah/west-africa-apah/a/great-mosque-of-djenne.
Kere Architecture. “Kéré | Work.” Www.kerearchitecture.com, www.kerearchitecture.com/work/building/gando-primary-school-3.
“Site – Besease Shrine – Kumasi.” Zamaniproject.org, 2022, www.zamaniproject.org/site-ghana-kumasi-asante-shrine.html#top. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.
Tchadinfos. “N’Djamena : Le Monument de La Place de La Nation Tombe En Ruine.” Tchadinfos.com, 31 Oct. 2016, tchadinfos.com/ndjamena-le-monument-de-la-place-de-la-nation-tombe-en-ruine/. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.
Wikipedia Contributors. “Asante Traditional Buildings.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 7 Feb. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asante_Traditional_Buildings.
—. “Chinguetti Mosque.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 5 Feb. 2025, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinguetti_Mosque .
—. “Djinguereber Mosque.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 24 Nov. 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Djinguereber_Mosque.
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—. “Musgum Mud Hut.” Wikipedia, 19 Dec. 2023, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musgum_mud_hut.
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—. “Zaria.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 18 Mar. 2025, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zaria .
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World, UNESCO. “Royal Court of Tiébélé.” Unesco.org, 2018, whc.unesco.org/en/list/1713/.
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