Ancient Africa

Ancient Africa Key Terms and People: -Homo Sapiens -Agriculture -Nomadic -Bantu

Ancient Africa Key Facts: -The first Homo Sapiens (humans) appeared in Africa about 200,000 years ago -Agriculture (farming) spread south of the Sahara Desert, which supported a growing population, between 6,000-4,000 BCE -Civilizations began to develop along the Nile River between 4,000-1,000 BCE -The Bantu Migration took place between 1,000-500 BCE

Ancient Africa Main Idea: -Humans were first discovered in Africa. Over a long period of time, humans mastered farming, which allowed them to build civilizations and migrate.

Homo Sapiens -The first Homo Sapiens (“Thinking Man” in Latin) appeared in Africa about 200,000 years ago -Humans were different from previous species because of their ability to think -Because it is where the first humans were discovered, Africa is known as the birthplace of humanity -Significance: This is who we are!!!!

Agriculture -Before people farmed and stayed in one place, they were nomadic (moved around) -There are records of farming in the Sahel from thousands of years ago -Between 6,000-4,000 BCE, farming spread south of the Sahara Desert -Once farming spread south of the Sahara, people could start to settle in one place -Significance: The spread of agriculture supported a growing population and allowed for people to settle in one place and begin to create a civilization

Civilization -Because of farming, people could finally settle down in one place -As people settled in one place, they began to build things and create societies with governments and economies -People would often choose to settle next to a major river because water was necessary for farming and survival -Civilizations began to form along the Nile River, the longest in the world, between 4,000-1,000 BCE Significance: Powerful African civilizations began to develop

Bantu Migration -Between 1,000-500 BCE, the Bantu people (a large group of people who spoke similar languages) migrated south in Africa -This was one of the largest human migrations in history -Significance: The Bantu people spread a huge amount of their culture to the different parts of Africa and spread people to places that before had not had people

African Masks Ritual and ceremonial masks are an essential feature of the traditional culture and art of the peoples of Sub-Saharan Africa. Masks usually have a spiritual and religious meaning and they are used in ritual dances and social and religious events. A special status is attributed to the artists that create masks and to those that wear them in ceremonies.

Mask Design One important element in African masks is the bold pattern, either painted or carved. Most patterns tend to be geometrical and symmetrical and are presented as a form of coded information. Parallel, zigzag, curved and spiral lines usually represent scarification marks or tattoos represent a certain tribe. These could represent social status or have magical or religious powers.

Color Meanings Red- Life & blood Gold- Fortune Blue- Innocence Green- The earth and Africa as the mother country Black- The Unity of the people of Africa

Design You Own African Mask Activity Color and design your own African mask Then write a short story (5-8 Sentences) describing the meaning behind your mask and who would wear it. Color significance Symbol meanings, patterns and shapes Who would wear your mask King Religious leader etc.….