African Society and Culture Global Studies I Mrs. Ledford

Aspects of African Society Role of women subordinate to men in Africa, but valued because of the work they could do and for having children often worked in the fields, while men tended the cattle or hunted often allowed to inherit property husband was often expected to move into his wife’s house upon marriage Some societies were matrilineal (societies in which descent is traced through the mother).

Aspects of African Society Education Both boys and girls were raised by their mothers until they were six years old. learned language, songs, and family history At six, fathers took control of their sons’ education. learned to hunt and fish, to grow plants, and to clear fields Girls continued to learn from their mothers. Learned to take care of the home and work in the fields

Aspects of African Society Slavery in Africa practiced from ancient times people captured in war, debtors, and criminals Many were trusted servants or were respected because of their special knowledge or talents. Life was difficult for most slaves. Those who worked on farmlands had hard, long hours. Those who worked as soldiers were sometimes better off. Slaves who worked as domestic servants usually had the best lives.

Religious Beliefs in Africa Role of ancestors Ancestors were believed to be closer to the gods and to have the power to influence the lives of their descendants. Ceremonies dedicated to ancestors were important rituals. Ancestral souls would live on in the afterlife as long as the lineage group (a community whose members trace their heritage from a common ancestor) continued to perform rituals in their names Religious Conflict Islam rejected spirit worship and insisted on the separation of men and women.

African Culture Religious Purposes African art forms Dances represented gods, spirits, or ancestral figures Dances a means of communicating with the spirits African songs passed religious traditions from generation to generation