1. African Traditions

2. Governing of African Villages Age grade system –Trains young people to become leaders Divided into groupings of boys and girls of same age with specific responsibilities Elders –Respected older leaders who make laws for the village –Rule by elders is common system of governing in rural Africa

3. The Family’s Role Family is the foundation of traditional African society. Needs of family put before needs of individual Each family member has a duty to look out for one another

4. The Family’s Role-cont. Families live with extended family Includes several generations of relatives living together Fewer African societies have arranged marriage where the parents decide whom their children will marry.

5. The Family’s Role-cont. Every person belongs not just to a family, but a larger lineage group. –Lineage: tracing of descent from a single ancestor Patrilineal: descent through the father’s family Matrilineal: descent through the mother’s family

6. African Agriculture Farming remains main way people make living Subsistence farming: growing just enough food for your own needs –Grow crops suited for where they live Shifting agriculture: burn and use ashes to fertilize the soil –When soil is worn out, farmers move to new land

7. African Agriculture-continued Women in Sub-Saharan Africa do much of the farming –Grow nearly ¾ of food, plant, weed and harvest crops –Sell raw or cooked foods in marketplace

8. Spread of Christianity Christianity –First came to Africa through Egypt –Spread of Christianity began when Europeans missionaries followed European explorers into the interior of Africa. –Missionaries translated Bible into African languages

9. Spread of Islam Islam spread quickly into North Africa. Muslim traders introduced Islam to West Africa and East African coastlines.

10. Religions Gain Followers Both religions allowed Africans to continue their traditional African culture. Traditional practices have been blended with Christianity. –Many Africans still turn to healers to find causes of misfortune. –Blend Christianity with drumming and dancing

11. Religions Gain Followers-continued Islam did not require Africans to reject all their religious practices Africans ignored Islamic practices that did not fit their customs –Veiling of women

12. Ancestors and African Religious Beliefs Traditional African religions share common beliefs Most believe in a Supreme Being –Supreme Being created all world, but does not actually direct what happens in the world

13. Ancestors and African Religious Beliefs-cont. Most believe in spirits –Spirits listen to concerns of humans and pass the on to Supreme Being Most believe in nature spirits who are thought to bring good or bad luck

14. Ancestors and African Religious Beliefs-cont. Ancestors hold a special place in African religions. Ancestors are both family members who have recently died and those who have died in the distant past. Ancestors become a spirit with powers greater than the living and continues to be involved in the life of the community.

15. Vocabulary Bridewealth –Gift of money, goods, cattle, or services by the husband to his wife’s family –Given before marriage to show groom is serious about marrying bride and that he can care for her Masai –Nomads who moved from place to place so their animals have fresh land to graze –Live East Africa