1. African Culture
Objective: To examine and discuss aspects of African customs, beliefs, and traditions.

2. African Religion: Religion helped unite African society
Oral tradition and myths are used to teach morals
Dancing, singing, & music all are part of religious celebrations in African culture

4. African Religion Wide range of languages, societies, beliefs & culture
Early Africans were monotheistic
Recognition of Superior Creator God (male God set world in motion/ order)
This Creator God intervenes in human affairs
All-knowing, all-powerful and omnipotent
Africans do recognize lesser Gods
Bumba:Creator god of the Boshongo of Zaire, who vomited up the sun, earth, and all living creatures including man.

5. Ancestor Worship:
Many African believe their ancestors can help/ hurt them
Ancestors honored through prayers
Clan leader responsible for ritual
Direct connection between living and dead
Ex. The Baganda people of East Africa believe every object on Earth has a living spirit (because Supreme Being created everything)
They apologize to animal if hunting asking forgiveness

6. African Religion: Animistic Beliefs
Lesser Gods associated with Sun, wind, rain, trees, rivers & other nature
These Gods can bring harm/ benefit to Humans
Souls of the departed can intervene in descendants lives
African ritual:
Prayers, animal sacrifice, ceremonies
Honor deities, spirits, or ancestors

7. African “Diviners”
Individuals who have an ability or by special training can mediate between humanity and supernatural beings

8. African “Diviners”
Illness, crop failures, natural disasters→ consult with them
Diviners then consult with oracles (identify causes of trouble)
Diviners then prescribe medicine ritual or sacrifice to eliminate the problem

9. African Influence on Religion:
Islam:
Christianity:
4th c. Kingdom of Axum
Missionaries visit Axum- kings convert
With expansion of Islam -isolated island of Christian kingdom in Ethiopia
Follow basic Christian beliefs & reflect African beliefs as well
Evil spirits- protection
Strong appeal to ruling elites and merchant class-basis for business relationships
Like Christianity, Islam in sub-Saharan Africa reflect interests of local converts (East & West Africa)
Measures against evil spirits & continue rituals to please Gods/ Goddesses

10. African Culture Mosai People of Kenya

12. Sources:
Google Images
United Streaming: Discovery Education