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
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
The mother’s family is important. (Flesh & Blood)
Children get their spirits from their father.
The Golden Stool is the center of their spiritual practices. (represents the unity of the Ashanti people and the power of their chiefs)
Heritage celebrated with festivals and ceremonies.
Read p in text.
My Videos\ashanti.mp4

4. The Swahili People Swahili “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
Men wear amulets for protection. They contain verses from the Koran
My Videos\swahili.mp4

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.
My Videos\bantu.mp4