During these days of technological advancement, the ancient arts thrive in Gambia, Africa and here at Penn State.

Papa Bunku Susso, a Mandinka griot from Gambia, played historical songs of praise on the kora, a 21-stringed harp-like instrument, and spoke about the musical art that dates back to the 13th century last night in Pollock Cultural Center as part of his week long visit to the University.

A griot passes messages orally through generations and holds much of the country's history, both past and present in his mind. They have had much social prestige in Gambia since the earliest days because of their wealth of knowledge, said Susso.

"The government sometimes asks for information from us -- even today," he said.

The increase in technology since griots first sang praises only helps to promote the art, Susso said. He explained that because one must still use his fingers to play, the art's original beauty remains intact.

Susso said he has been perfecting his griot talents since his father started teaching him when he was five years old. He said he is a member of a family of griots dating back to about the 13th century, adding that his 16-year-old son is practicing daily to be a griot. True griots are born into a family of griots.

The tradition of griots is threatened by the increasing number of fake practitioners, Susso said. People come to a family of griots to learn to play the kora, but are not masters of the art, he explained.

"If they don't do it right, they destroy the tradition," Susso said.

Susso knows 32 traditional songs and sang two of them for the group of about 25 who gathered to hear Susso play. The songs are praises of Sundiata, founder of the Mali empire during the 13th century.

The songs are in Susso's native language, but the group listened intently.

"You are still here emotionally, even if you can't (understand) the words, you can still feel it," Dawn Pomento (junior-English) said.

The success of Susso's visit to the University last year brought his return, and extended his stay to one week instead of two days. While here, the griot will visit classes and meet with students and faculty.

"I want to bring him to an audience who needs to know about the non-Western world," said Thomas Hale, associate professor of French and Comparative Literature, who is hosting Susso.

Students in the School of Communications are taping many of Susso's activities this week to make a thirty minute documentary to show African literature classes in future years.

Susso will give a concert at 8 tonight at the Paul Robeson Cultural Center.

After leaving the University on Friday, Susso will visit Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove and other universities and concert halls until his return to Gambia at the end of February.