What was the primary resource traded from West Africa in exchange for salt?

The primary resource traded from West Africa in exchange for salt was gold. During the medieval period, particularly in the 9th to 15th centuries, West Africa was known for its vast gold resources, especially from regions like Ghana, Mali, and Songhai. Gold was highly prized not only within Africa but also in markets across Europe and the Middle East.

Salt, on the other hand, was an essential commodity for preserving food and was also needed for dietary purposes, making it incredibly valuable. The trade networks that developed between the Sahara and sub-Saharan Africa were largely based on this barter, where gold from West Africa was exchanged for salt transported from the north. This trade significantly contributed to the wealth and power of various West African empires.

While silver, copper, and ivory were also traded in different contexts, they did not play as central a role in this specific trade dynamic between West Africa and regions that supplied salt. Thus, gold stands out as the correct answer due to its significance in trade relations during this historical period.