1. Arab, Ashanti, Bantu, Swahili

2. Arab

6. Arab Culture and Religion
Speak Arabic
Most Arabs are Islamic
Islamic influence is in the Arab Culture. (Art, Geometric shapes, repetitive art, symmetry, bright colors, calligraphy)
Education is important. Literacy = being able to read and understand the Quran

7. Arab Culture and Religion
2 Calendars.
Traditional: 365 days.
Only used for business and work purposes. This is what the rest of the world uses.
Lunar: 354 days. HOLIDAYS, ASTROLOGY
Based on the moon, the dates on the calendar are not the same every year.

8. Ashanti

10. Kente: ceremonial cloth that represents history, philosophy, ethics, language.

12. Ashanti Culture and Religion
Religion: Mix of supernatural and spiritual powers.
Believe plants, animals, and trees have souls
The Ashanti believe lower gods (spirits) are on earth to assist humans.
Ashanti priests serve the spirits and act as mediators between the supreme god and humans.

13. Ashanti Culture and Religion
Mothers family is more important
Women pick cotton and spin into thread while men weave Kente
Mothers teach pottery and house skills, farming, carrying water
Fathers teach sons a skill of their choice.

14. Bantu

18. Bantu Culture and Religion
Farmers and Herders
Located in Central and Southern Africa
Prehistoric: have been around since 50,000 BC

19. Bantu Culture and Religion
60 million Africans can trace their language back to Bantu. (400 African languages have Bantu roots)
Many are Christian or Islamic but still have more belief in Magic or curses

20. Bantu Muslims Not allowed to play drums or dance VERY strict
Women must dress by Muslim standards

21. Swahili

24. Swahili Culture and Religion
Muslim / Arab culture is very important
Children finish early Elementary School, some finish Middle and High School
Parents realize education is important for finding a job
Many Swahili people work for the government, in offices, and schools.

25. Swahili Culture and Religion
Most homes have electricity, indoor water, and a few bedrooms
Running water is important because Muslim’s must wash before they eat.
Relatively high standard of living
Language has Bantu roots. Many people speak English