In Segou, the Sudano-Sahelian mud architecture typical of West Africa takes on a different expression, largely due to the very red clay in the region. The style is referred to locally as "Bambara architecture", referring to the primary ethnic tribe inhabiting Segou. In the 18th and 19th centuries, when Segou was the capital of the great Segou Empire, many palaces were built in this style. Today, this red clay architecture is still used for mosques, public building and important residences. Segou, Mali