The Culture of Sub-Saharan Africa Francisci WG.4

Population The population of Africa is not distributed evenly. – The main reasons for this include climate and physical features, such as desert and rainforest.

Ethnic Groups Africa is multicultural with a variety of ethnic groups speaking numerous languages and following diverse customs. – Languages: Arabic, Somali, Berber, Amharic, Oromo, Swahili, Hausa, Igbo, Fulani and Yoruba

History Before the 1800s, Africa had no written languages. The history of Africa has been and continues to be passed from one tribal generation to another through oral tradition: messages or testimony transmitted orally from one generation to another. The father was the head of the tribe in early African communities.

History Tribes had a witch doctor: A religious leader whose power was sought to cure both physical and spiritual problems. Religion of the tribal people: – A god created the world. – Lesser gods/spirits ruled affairs of the people – Sacrifices and rituals were performed to win the favor of lesser gods in order to receive various blessings.

The Slave Trade Tribes were often at war with each other. – Some historians argue that captured people were sold as slaves by the tribal leader. – Other historians claim that the Europeans captured Africans and enslaved them. – A slave trade developed between Great Britain, France and Portugal to send slaves to the Americas to work on plantations. – Slaves were bound together with chains and ropes as they made their journey across the ocean.

The Colonial Era Europeans became interested in Africa in the late 1500s because of mineral resources such as gold, diamonds and ivory. European explorers faced extreme heat, unknown tropical diseases, hostility from tribal peoples, wild animals and rugged terrain. Europeans referred to Africa as “The White Man’s Grave” because many explorers did not return from Africa. Europeans remained in control of Africa until the 1950s and 1960s.

The Colonial Era Benefits of foreign control in Africa: – Strong missionary work – Schools, colleges founded – Roads, railroads and hospitals constructed – Increase in the development of cities

The Colonial Era The end of colonial rule did not bring peace and prosperity to Africa. – Endless poverty – Dependence on foreign aid – Lack of leadership – Inadequate education – Conflicts and injustice

Conflict & Division Differences in ethnic background has led to conflict and division in Africa. – Examples: Sudan: 20 year civil war between Islamic Government and the Peoples Liberation Army (Christians). –Burundi & Rwanda: Sites of fighting and slaughter between the Tutsis and Hutus.

Conflict & Division As a result of famine, conflicts and wars many Africans have fled their nations and are now refugees: people who flee from one country to another to escape war, famine, or disease (persecution or disaster).

Cultural Heritage Masks Sculpture Dance

Cultural Heritage Music Colorful dress Jewelry

Cultural Landscape Villages Markets Mosques Churches