Ethnic Groups in Africa Arabs, Ashanti, Bantu, and Swahili Cultures

Arabs A.D. 600’s, Arab armies from Southwest Asia entered into North Africa 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.

The Ashanti People Reside in central Ghana The mother’s family is important. (Flesh & Blood) Children get their spirits from their father. The Golden Stool is the center of their spiritual practices. (represents the unity of the Ashanti people and the power of their chiefs) Heritage celebrated with festivals and ceremonies. Read p. 234 in text. My Videos\ashanti.mp4

The Swahili People Swahili “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 Men wear amulets for protection. They contain verses from the Koran My Videos\swahili.mp4

The Bantu People Originally from Southeast Nigeria Reached Zimbabwe around 1000 CE The Bantu Empire controlled trading routes from South Africa to the Zambezi River. Traded gold, copper, precious stones, animal hides, ivory, and metal goods. My Videos\bantu.mp4