1. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
Imperialism
Extending a country’s or nation’s authority through territorial gain
Double Standards of Imperialism
Enslavement, torture, and cruelty seen as necessary evils
Justification through helping civilize the uncivilized
Madness due to Imperialism
Excuses for treatment of others and decisions
Africa is personified and blamed for decisions of maliciousness
Absurdity of Evil
Hypocrisy and moral confusion of situations
Similar treatment of the serious and ordinary
Meaninglessness of stupidity and life and death issues
The River
Slow flow, difficult trip upriver toward “goal” of civilizing
Fast flow, downriver trip back to civilization
Darkness
Part of the title!!
Even in light, the inability for humans to SEE people

2. West Africa
Culture & History

3. Cultural Influences
Parts of the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean show African influence.
Islamic influence in Northern Africa was brought to Western African through trade.
North African sources of salt and goods
West African sources of gold, ivory, and other precious resources
A variety of ethnic groups still call West Africa home, however, ancient Africa was even more diverse.

4. Mighty Empires Ghana (300-1200) Spread of Islam (800-1900)
Empire named after “war chief”: Ghana
Land of gold dispite no gold production
Made money on taxing trade
Weakened by Islamic invasions
Spread of Islam ( )
Peaceful trade and violent conquest
Muslim trades were first converters
Islamic reformers captured Ghana
Holy wars began against non-Muslim rulers

5. Mighty Empires cont. Rise of Mali (1235-1500)
First great Muslim empire
Sundiata defeated non-Muslim king
Grandnephew brought Mali to its height
Mecca pilgrimage of lavish gold gifts dropped price of gold throughout Egypt
Forest Kingdoms ( )
Began to prosper during Mali’s height
Yoruba: deeply religious people
Government of ruling families
Divine leaders
Edo
Government and trade similar to Yoruba
World famous for quality royal sculptures
1470’s first Portuguese trading ships sailed into port
Opened up contact
Atlantic Slave Trade

6. Atlantic Slave Trade (1518-1870)
West African cities were the center of trade.
Small scale
Prisoners of war and minor criminals
Over 300 years of slave trade
Between Million African slaves transported
Began with Muslims and continued with Portuguese then other Europeans
Demand increased for slaves in the Americas and Caribbean for mine and plantation work
Guns were used as a trade for slaves
Despite violent disruptions, much of cultural tradition was passed down.

7. Ashanti Empire ( )
Small farmers who banded to make a strong union
Involved in slave trade
1870’s began war with British that lead to colonization
“Scramble for Africa”
90% colonized by European powers
Imposed new government, language, & faiths

8. Classes and Societal Divisions
Rulers
Kings, nobles, chiefs
Controlled the government and wealth
Wealth in forms of goods and services
Traders paid taxes
Fisherman gave portion of catch
Spiritual leaders
People receive protection of king’s army
Priests
Traditional religions
Presided over shrines and sacrifices
Islamic teachers
Instructed from the Koran
Diviner
Helped with personal problems and recommended solutions
Understood messages from the spiritual world
Healers with herbal medicines

9. Classes and Societal Divisions cont.
Craftspeople
Professionals: musicians, singers, poets, dancers, storytellers, potters, woodworkers, hairdressers, tattoo artists, etc.
Worked directly for king in most cases
Freeborn People
Ordinary people who weren’t slaves: land owners, rich merchants, farmers, fisherman, etc.
In later days, the helped to run the government
Still, everyone owed to the rulers: product or service
Slaves
War captives and law breakers
Worked similar jobs as freeborn in most cases
Used as professional soldiers
Had fewer rights
Some could earn freedom through work, loyalty of service, or marriage
Seldom some became chiefs and kings

10. Women Gave birth to all men: chiefs included
High status particularly for mothers
Husbands and wives work as economic equals in most cases
Typically did not hold political office
Some were warrior-queens
Queen Mother: mother or widow of former king
Gave consent of future king
Attended political meets as a king advisor
Acted as judges
Some rode into battle

11. Arts and Culture Literature Rich in oral tradition
Epics, proverbs, poems, trickster tales, stories, origin myths, etc.
Basic religious beliefs
One god who withdrew after creation
Lesser gods involved in human affairs
Faith in ancestral spirits influence
Witches and sorcerers ability to cause misfortune
Diviners ability to solve problems in “both” worlds
Music, Dance, and Art
Social activity: games, ceremonies, festivals, and work
Jewelry, pottery, sculpture
Attract spirits
Influence on modern art
Expressionistic influence: Picasso

13. Readings
“How the world was created from a drop of milk” pg 624 #6, 7, 8
Heart of Darkness