Traditional African Culture South of the Sahara Desert

Language North Africa- Arabic Language Central Africa- Swahili (Language of Islam) Central Africa- Swahili Southern and Western Africa-Bantu

Common Value Tribe or family name is very significant in African culture. 1,000s of ethnic groups and languages Family unit Patrilineal Society- inheritance, family name and relationships are tied to father’s family Matrilineal Society- relationships tied to the mother’s side

Government West Africa and North Africa-strong centralized governments. Southern and Central Africa- chiefs or elected councils make decisions based on consensus.

Arts and Literature Sub-Saharan Africa has used oral traditions to keep history alive. a. Griots- professional poets in West Africa who recite ancient stories. b. Proverbs & riddles. Artwork- used wood for ceremonial masks and bone and ivory to carve statues. (Benin)

Traditional African Musical Instruments African Patterns

African Proverbs Wisdom is wealth. ~ Swahili The fool speaks, the wise man listens. ~ Ethiopian proverb In the moment of crisis, the wise build bridges and the foolish build dams. ~ Nigerian proverb It takes a village to raise a child. ~ African proverb A man who uses force is afraid of reasoning. ~Kenyan proverb Many hands make light work. ~ Haya (Tanzania) proverb A fight between grasshoppers is a joy to the crow. ~ Lesotho proverb To get lost is to learn the way. ~ African proverb The old woman looks after the child to grow its teeth and the young one in turn looks after the old woman when she loses her teeth. ~ Akan (Ghana, Ivory Coast) proverb

African Riddles There is a bare place where no one ever settles, and if one did so, there would be crying. What is it? The Eye Who has a house too small for guests? A turtle.

Traditional Religions -Animism- belief that animal spirits and be conjured and used. -Magic -Shaman-someone who possesses mystical powers and ability to heal.