Enduring Traditions in Africa Families and Villages Families and Villages Ways of Life Ways of Life Religion Religion

Families and Villages Many marriages are arranged in villages Many marriages are arranged in villages Man gives family of woman gifts of $, cattle, goods — bridewealth Man gives family of woman gifts of $, cattle, goods — bridewealth

Family in Africa Extended families— Extended families— several generations live together Muslim families may have several wives Family is traced by lineage Family is traced by lineage Patrilineal – through the husband, wife moves in Patrilineal – through the husband, wife moves in Matrilineal – through the wife, husband moves in Matrilineal – through the wife, husband moves in

Village Structure  “It takes a village to raise a child.”  Age grade system— kids grouped by similar ages, share jobs, ceremonies, projects for village  Elders—most respected, make rules  Respect for age and experience  Many villages follow local laws rather than national laws

Ways of Life Most villagers are subsistence farmers — grow just enough for needs Most villagers are subsistence farmers — grow just enough for needs Shifting agriculture– burn trees/brush, ashes provide fertilizer, farm for several years, then abandon land, repeat process in another area Shifting agriculture– burn trees/brush, ashes provide fertilizer, farm for several years, then abandon land, repeat process in another area Major crops in Africa: yams, dates, corn, wheat, grapes, soybean, peanuts Major crops in Africa: yams, dates, corn, wheat, grapes, soybean, peanuts

Ways of Life--Herding  Herding– raise, tend, move, sell livestock  Cows, camels, goats, sheep  When farming is not possible  Forces people to be nomadic during seasons

Tsetse Fly and Sleeping Sickness Transmitted by tsetse fly—bites humans & animals Transmitted by tsetse fly—bites humans & animals Parasite enters body Parasite enters body Results in head/body aches, fever, itching Results in head/body aches, fever, itching Later confusion, sensory problems, sleeping issues Later confusion, sensory problems, sleeping issues Can lead to death Can lead to death Kill thousands of animals a year Kill thousands of animals a year

Religions in Africa  Hundreds of religions in Africa  Islam (Muslims) have a large # in North Africa  Christianity large in sub-Saharan Africa  Both have blended with tribal religions

Basic Beliefs of Traditional Religions A supreme being who created the world A supreme being who created the world Lesser spirits who deal with humans Lesser spirits who deal with humans Many spirits are related to nature, illness, luck, or certain jobs (fishing, farming) Many spirits are related to nature, illness, luck, or certain jobs (fishing, farming) Ancestors—family members in the past Ancestors—family members in the past Remembered through stories, folktales Remembered through stories, folktales Ancestors are believed to become spirits Ancestors are believed to become spirits Healers used to cure sickness, use prayer and herbal meds Healers used to cure sickness, use prayer and herbal meds