Final answer:
The basic unit of social organization in ancient West African society was the family.
Step-by-step explanation:
The basic unit of social organization in ancient West African society was the family. Families formed the foundation of society and were responsible for various activities such as farming, trade, and defense. They played a crucial role in passing down traditions, values, and skills from one generation to another.
In West Africa, families were typically extended, consisting of multiple generations living together in a compound. The head of the family, usually the eldest male, held significant authority and made decisions that affected the entire family.
While government and military were important aspects of ancient West African societies, they were not the basic unit of social organization.
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