1. Ethnic Groups of Africa
Arabs, Ashanti, Swahili, Bantu

2. Learning Targets
I can explain important facts about the Arabs, Shanti, Bantu, and Swahili ethnic groups.
History, Location, Language, and Religion

3. Arabs
A.D. 600’s, Arab armies from Southwest Asia entered into North Africa (Egypt)
Location: Egypt
Brought the Arabic language and Islam
Today most Africans are Muslim and speak Arabic
Muslim leadership allowed North African cities to become major centers of learning, trade, and craft making.

4. The Ashanti /Asanti People
Reside in central Ghana,
kingdom was founded in 1701
The Golden Stool is the center of their spiritual practices. (represents the unity of the Ashanti people and the power of their chiefs)
Belief in a supreme god, or Nayme, traditional Ashanti believe that all living things have a soul
The mother’s family is important. (Flesh & Blood)
Children get their spirits from their father.
Heritage celebrated with festivals and ceremonies.
Other religions practiced by Ashanti are Christianity and Islam

5. The Asante are part of the Akan tribes/Language.
The official language of the Ashanti people is English, but this is not spoken by many villagers.
The Asante are part of the Akan tribes/Language.
Akan language
Ashanti People

6. The Golden Stool is a sacred symbol
legend, the Golden Stool - - sika 'dwa in the Akan language of the Ashanti -- descended from heaven in a cloud of white dust and landed in the lap of the first Ashanti king,
Strength and Unity of the Ashanti People

7. The Bantu People Originally from Southeast Nigeria
Arrived 2000 years ago from just south of the Sahara to the central and southern parts of the continent.
Bantu migration one of the largest movements in Africa’s history.
Bantu speaking people.
Known as farmers and animal herders.
Traded gold, copper, precious stones, animal hides, ivory, and metal goods.
Many Bantu are Muslim, Christians and follow traditional animist religions (spirits in natural objects and surroundings)

8. Bantu Language Group
a group of some 500 languages belonging to the Bantoid subgroup of the 
Benue-Congo branch of the Niger- Congo language family.

9. The Swahili People
Arab and Persian traders settled and intermarried with Bantu – speaking population. Developed along the coast of East Africa
Swahili means “one who lives on the coast.”
Swahili is also a Bantu language with Arabic influence.
Reside on the East African Coast from southern Somalia to northern Mozambique
Practice a strict form of Islam mixed with beliefs in spirits that can possess a person (mila) and herbal healing medicines

10. Mind Mapping Activity
Directions: Complete the mind maps for each of the ethnic groups.
Branches: History, Location, Language, and Religion
Materials: Chapter 4 Fact Sheet, Mind Map Packet, and four colors (crayons or markers)

11. Mind Mapping Rubric Rubric:
I have included detailed facts about each of the four ethnic groups. These facts must relate to their history, location, language, and religion.
I have include each branch on my mind map: History, Location, Language, Religion
I have used correct spelling.
My mind map is easy to read and follow.
I have given each branch and their connecting branch a specific color.
My mind map can be used to help others understand this topic.