1. African Ethnic Groups
SS7G4 The student will describe the diverse cultures of the people who live in Africa.
b. Explain the diversity of religions within the Arab Ashanti, Bantu, and Swahili ethnic groups

2. Arabs Arabs live in North Africa
Most Arabs practice Islam, but some are Christians
Muslims believe that there is one god, Allah
They believe that Muhammad was his prophet
Muslims must adhere to the 5 Pillars of Islam

3. Arabs
Spread Islam throughout the Sahara and Sahel as they traveled and traded gold and salt
Taught Arabic so people could read the Quran
Married local women and became a part of culture

4. Ashanti Found in the modern country of Ghana (West Africa)
Majority are Christian
Traditional Religious beliefs are second
Islam has smallest percentage

5. Ashanti Traditional Beliefs
Mix of spiritual and supernatural powers
In 1701, a holy man produced the Golden Stool from heaven and gave it to the Ashanti King
All living things have souls, The Golden Stool has the soul of the Ashanti people

6. Ashanti
Nayme is the supreme god and his children are called the Abosom
The Abosom are all the natural powers and forces in the world
Ancestors are given great respect and are included in family celebrations
Believe witches, demons and spirits can help or hurt people

7. Bantu Central and Southern Africa
Over 60 million people who speak Bantu or share in the culture
One of the most important migration in African history
Shared knowledge of making and using iron tools

8. Bantu Bantu practice many religions
Some are Christian, some are Muslim and some practice animistic religions
Animistics believe that natural objects and surroundings have spirits (trees, waterfalls, etc.)

9. Swahili Swahili came from the Bantu people and language
When Arab traders came, they picked up Arabic and Islam
Swahili is a mix of Arabic and Bantu
Live along the Eastern coast

10. Swahili Swahili means “one who lives on the Coast”
Most are fishermen and traders today
Most are Muslims
Many also follow local beliefs called Mila
Some Mila beliefs are that spirits can possess people
Swahili see a close link between their religion and healing