African Traditions Study Reference

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