African religions, society and culture Chapter 6 African religions, society and culture

Learning Target 7.15/7.16 I can examine the importance of written and oral traditions in the transmission of African history and culture I can analyze the importance of family, labor specialization, and regional commerce in the development of states and cities in West Africa.

African society In early Africa, most people lived in villages. Most villagers were farmers. Cities began as villages with protective walls. Cities were the center of government and trade. Traders and artisans did well in the cities.

Traders and artisans Traders and artisans could be found in African towns and cities. Artisans specialized in certain jobs such as metalworking, woodworking, pottery making, and other crafts. Some artwork was created for religious purposes. Music, dance, and storytelling were also important artistic expressions in the everyday life of Africans.

Labor Specialization in West Africa The following link is to a student-created project (not from LFMS). Prices for showcased items have not been verified. http://prezi.com/dwp0i9ycqwz3/west-african-labor-specialization/

Family Ties The family formed the basis of African society. People often lived in extended families. Men had more rights than women and supervised much of what women did. Women were mostly wives and mothers, but some African women were rulers and soldiers.

African education Families and village members were responsible for educating children. Griots (traditional story tellers) helped teach children. Children learned the history of their people skills they would use as adults stories that were meant to give a lesson about life proverbs that supported the lessons about life