1. African Society and Culture
Chapter 7.3
African Society and Culture

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. Citations