Cultural/Ethnic Groups of Africa SS7G4 The student will describe the diverse cultures of the people who live in Africa. a. Explain the differences between an ethnic group and a religious group. b. Explain the diversity of religions within the Arab, Ashanti, Bantu, and Swahili ethnic groups.

Arabs Arab people began to spread into North Africa in the late 600s AD. They took Islam and the Arabic language with them. Arabic was necessary in order to read the Quran, Islam's holy book. Muslims follow the Five Pillars of Islam and are monotheistic. Amulet containing verses from the Quran

Five Pillars of Islam

Today the Arabic language, the religion of Islam, and many other aspects of Muslim culture are found throughout Africa. Spread through Trade & Conquest They make up the majority of people living along the Mediterranean coast and in some countries along the Indian Ocean in the east.

Ashanti The Ashanti people are found in the modern country of Ghana Ghana. They have been a powerful group in this part of Africa for over 300 years. Their beliefs relate to animism.

Yes that is gold!

The Ashanti believe that their kingdom was founded with the help of a holy man who produced a Golden Stool from the heavens and gave it to the first Ashanti king.

The Stool came to symbolize Ashanti power and the belief that the kingdom will last as long as the golden stool remains in the hands of the Ashanti king.

The traditional Ashanti religion is centered on a supreme god, or Nayme. His many children, the Abosom, represent all the natural powers and forces in the world. The traditional Ashanti believe that all living things have souls. They also believe that witches, demon spirits, and fairies have powers in their lives. This traditional belief is called animism.

Ancestors are given great respect, and there are several family rituals for births, puberty, marriage, and death. Some Ashanti also practice Christianity and Islam. There are also a large number of Muslims. Kente cloth: in which the differing colors and patterns tell the story of a family or group.

Likes so many other places in Africa, the movement of people has resulted in a great deal of diversity in nearly all aspects of life among the Ashanti.

Bantu Africa is made up of hundreds of Bantu- related languages and many different ethnic sub-groups. However, they all share the same cultural characteristics.

Bantu are animal herders and farmers. They have also learned to make crafts from iron. The Bantu people have followed rivers and streams and migrated through out Africa. They met many new people, learned new skills, and shared their own. The Bantu Migration

animism

Today over 60 million people in central and southern Africa speak Bantu-based languages and share some part of Bantu culture. Bantu who settled in areas where there was a strong Arab presence are Muslim. Others, living in parts of Africa influenced by missionary efforts are Christian.

Still others follow traditional animist religions, believing spirits are found in natural objects and surroundings. They may feel a spiritual presence in rocks, trees, a waterfall, or a particularly beautiful place in the forest.

Swahili / Kiswahili The Swahili culture is a mix of people who claim ancestors in Africa, in Arabia, and even across the Indian Ocean.

Many people in Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique share the Swahili culture, language, history, and traditions. The Swahili language is considered a Bantu language but there are many Arabic words and phrases included.

Most Swahili are city dwellers rather than traditional farmers and herdsmen. However, many are engaged in fishing and trade, as their ancestors were. Most are Muslims but also follow local beliefs that have been part of their culture since before Muslim traders arrived in Africa over a thousand years ago.

The local beliefs are known as mila. One mila is that there are spirits that can possess a person. Many Swahili see a close link between their religious beliefs and the practice of medicine and healing. Herbal medicines are often given along with prescribed prayers and rituals that are all thought to be part of the cure. One practice is to write a verse from the Quran on a piece of paper in a special ink and then to dissolve the paper in hot water and drink it like tea.

Questions of a thousand dreams… What religion dominates northern Africa? What ethnic group dominates northern Africa? What are the Five Pillars? Why is it important for this group to be able to read Arabic? Is this group monotheistic or polytheistic? How did this group spread over such a large area?

Which ethnic group is located in western Africa? What is the significance of the golden stool? What is animism? What traditional beliefs are important to this group? What role do ancestors play to this group? Is this group monotheistic or polytheistic? What other religions are found among these people?

Which group began in the region east of the Niger River delta and spread east and south across the continent? How does this group traditionally make their livelihood? Is this group monotheistic or polytheistic? How did this group spread over such a large area? Where is this group located today? How is language important to this group?

Which group can be considered an off-shoot of the Bantu language group? What mix of cultures does this group claim? Where is this group located today? How do most of this make their livelihood? Is this group monotheistic or polytheistic? How does nature and medicine blend in this group?