African Society and Culture Chapter 7.3 African Society and Culture

African Kings: Would allow his people to voice their opinions Lived among the common people > Asian rulers would be far away from their subjects Family: Identity was based on family lineages > Lineage groups: extended family units were in turn combined into larger communities > This would create support among the families for each other because they could relate to a common ancestor

Women: Seen as less than men However, lineage was based on mother NOT father > Matrilineal: societies in which descent is traced through the mother > Patrilineal: societies in which descent is traced through the father Had a huge role in educating children *Slavery was practiced

Religion: Islam swept across North Africa, the result was often a blend of Islam with native beliefs and practices Islam spread gradually in East Africa In Ethiopia, Christianity continued to gain followers even after the arrival of Islam. >Early African art served a religious purpose.

Culture: Some of the finest artistic achievements were woodcarvings and sculptures of a religious nature. >Music, along with storytelling, helped transmit a community's history to younger generations. Diviners: people who believe they have the power to foretell events Griots: special class of story tellers

Citations http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3191/2301001352_6da6a4879d_z.jpg http://worldmusic.nationalgeographic.com/view/assets/images/places/wm_photo_country_kenya.jpg?w=653&h=288&scale=fill&smileaction=image