Final answer:
The role of court jester was NOT one of the appointed positions in the provincial administrative system of the Songhai Empire under Askiya Muhammad. Notable appointed positions included governor, tax collector, and general.
Step-by-step explanation:
Appointed Positions in the Songhai Empire Under Askiya Muhammad
Askiya Muhammad, after taking control of the Songhai Empire, restructured the administration of the empire's provinces. He appointed various positions to ensure the efficient management and control of each province. The positions Askiya Muhammad is known to have designated include governor, tax collector, and general. These officials were responsible for political administration, collection of taxes, and military organization respectively. Among the options provided, the court jester is NOT one of the appointed positions within the provincial governance system of the Songhai Empire under Askiya Muhammad's rule.
Historical records of governance under Askiya Muhammad and his contemporary rulers such as Mansa Musa of Mali show appointments of officials with administrative, military, and financial responsibilities. This system of governance diverged from previous structures that gave local or hereditary rulers more autonomy and rather centralized authority under the direct appointees of the ruler.