1. Ethnic Groups in Africa
Arabs, Ashanti, Bantu, and Swahili Cultures

2. Arabs
A.D. 600’s, Arab armies from Southwest Asia entered into North Africa (Egypt)
Brought the Arabic language and Islam
Today most Africans are Muslim and speak Arabic
Muslim leadership allowed North African cities to become major centers of learning, trade, and craft making.

3. The Ashanti People
Reside in central Ghana, kingdom was founded in 1701
The Golden Stool is the center of their spiritual practices. (represents the unity of the Ashanti people and the power of their chiefs)
Belief in a supreme god, or Nayme, traditional Ashanti believe that all living things have a soul
The mother’s family is important. (Flesh & Blood)
Children get their spirits from their father.
Heritage celebrated with festivals and ceremonies.
Other religions practiced by Ashanti are Christianity and Islam

4. The Swahili People Swahili means “one who lives on the coast.”
Swahili is also a Bantu language with Arabic influence.
Reside on the East African Coast from southern Somalia to northern Mozambique
Practice a strict form of Islam mixed with beliefs in spirits that can possess a person (mila) and herbal healing medicines
Men wear charms/amulets for protection. They contain verses from the Koran

5. The Bantu People Originally from Southeast Nigeria
Reached Zimbabwe around 1000 CE
The Bantu Empire controlled trading routes from South Africa to the Zambezi River.
Traded gold, copper, precious stones, animal hides, ivory, and metal goods.
Many Bantu are Muslim, Christians and follow traditional animist religions (spirits in natural objects and surroundings)