Sub-Saharan African Bellwork What were two factor that prevented the development of large populations and kingdoms in Sub-Saharan Africa? Inconsistent Climate, Disease, Ethnic and language differences

Objective WWBAT: Discuss major changes in religion in Africa and the Bantu Migration throughout Southern Africa

Interactive Notebook Setup 1/6/2015 Changes in Post-Classical Africa This will be one page

Christianity in Africa Bananas! Bantu Migration Islam in Africa

CHRISTIANITY IN AFRICA Christianity reached N. Africa in 1st Cen. CE. Alexandria became one of most prominent centers of early Christianity Mid-4th cen. Christianity established a foothold in Kingdom of Axum 1st converts were probably local merchants who traded with Christians who came to port of Adulis on Red Sea. King of Axum converted around the time of Constantine Late 7th cen. Axum fell into decline

CHRISTIANITY IN AFRICA In 12th cen. New dynasty tried to centralize and promote Christianity to unify the land. 12th cen. Ethiopian king ordered the carving of 11 massive churches out of solid rock Ethiopian Christians were cut off from other Christians-so it reflects the interests of its African followers They believe in a large host of evil spirts populating the world and they carry amulets for protection Rock churches link to rock shrines that were important in Ethiopian religion That Ethiopian Christians Reestablish relations with other Christians in 16th Century

CHRISTIANITY IN AFRICA Ethiopian Christianity Had little contact with Christians of other lands Shared basic Christian theology/rituals, developed own features Isolated, attacked by Islam

Christian Church, Lalibela [Ethiopia] Coptic Christian Priest

Christian Church, Lalibela [Ethiopia]

ISLAM IN AFRICA North Africa West Africa Islam was first introduced in the 8th Century by Arab armies Arab armies conquered region by early 8th Century; pushed up Nile Mass conversions of local inhabitants due to tax incentives West Africa Introduced by Trans-Saharan Trade route Merchants were greatest contact with Islam Local rulers, elites converted by 10th century Gave elites control of trade and greater political authority Allowed people to observe traditional beliefs

ISLAM IN AFRICA Elite religion vs. common practices Most people remained polytheists especially outside of cities, towns Produced syncretic blend of Islam and traditional customs/beliefs such as accommodation of African gender norms After conversion by elites, old beliefs remained; part of inherited traditions Religion introduced writing, literary traditions

ISLAM IN AFRICA Many West African cities became major centers of Islamic religious and intellectual life Especially Timbuktu More than 150 Quranic schools Several major centers of higher education Libraries with tens of thousands of texts Construction of huge mosques Adopted Arabic as the language of religion, education, administration, and trade

Great Mosque at Jenne

Timbuktu-”Heavenly Clay”

Timbuktu Rooftop, Mosque

Mosque in Gao

Great Mosque at Djenne, Mali

Distant Mosque at Djenne, Mali

Bananas Between 300/500 C.E., Malay seafarers reached Africa Malay seafarers introduced bananas to Africa from S.E. Asia Brought with them pigs, taro, and banana cultivation Bananas became well-established in Africa by 500 C.E. Bantu learned to cultivate bananas from Malagasy Bananas caused population growth and allowed for greater migration

Bantu Migrations People left West Africa for less populated areas Settled all across southern and western Africa Called the Bantu Migrations because - descendants of the people that migrated shared elements of a language known as Bantu These people brought their culture & knowledge as they migrated Bantu languages became dominant south of the Sahara

Bantu Migrations

Bantu Migrations Bantu people were able to displace, absorb, or eliminate hunter-gatherers they encountered due to: 1) Agriculture - they had a productive economy and could sustain a larger number of people in a small area 2) Iron -- used it to make tools and weapons 3) Disease -- they brought infectious diseases (like malaria) with them

Bantu Migrations Farming largely replaced foraging in South -Agriculture generated a more productive economy -Farmers brought with them both parasitic and infectious diseases to which foragers had little immunity -Iron was introduced to the region by Bantu migrants Bantu migrants also brought a common set of cultural and social practices

Bantu Migrations Bantu-speaking people became divided into hundred of ethnic groups

Bantu Migrations Bantu people focused on ancestral and nature spirits Power of dead ancestors accessed through sacrifice rituals Charms also used -- could be activated to control the rains, defend the village, achieve success in hunting, etc.

Bantu Migrations Sculpture was an important art form Masks worn at dances & ceremonies symbolized link between living & dead Music was important choral singing, dances for ceremonies