Ancient Africa Ancient Africa Key Terms and People

Ancient Africa

Ancient Africa Key Terms and People: -Homo Sapiens -Agriculture -Nomadic -Bantu

Ancient Africa Key Facts: -The first Homo Sapiens (humans) appeared in Africa about 200, 000 years ago -Agriculture (farming) spread south of the Sahara Desert, which supported a growing population, between 6, 000 -4, 000 BCE -Civilizations began to develop along the Nile River between 4, 000 -1, 000 BCE -The Bantu Migration took place between 1, 000 -500 BCE

Ancient Africa Main Idea: -Humans were first discovered in Africa. Over a long period of time, humans mastered farming, which allowed them to build civilizations and migrate.

Homo Sapiens -The first Homo Sapiens (“Thinking Man” in Latin) appeared in Africa about 200, 000 years ago -Humans were different from previous species because of their ability to think -Because it is where the first humans were discovered, Africa is known as the birthplace of humanity -Significance: This is who we are!!!!

Agriculture -Before people farmed and stayed in one place, they were nomadic (moved around) -There are records of farming in the Sahel from thousands of years ago -Between 6, 000 -4, 000 BCE, farming spread south of the Sahara Desert -Once farming spread south of the Sahara, people could start to settle in one place -Significance: The spread of agriculture supported a growing population and allowed for people to settle in one place and begin to create a civilization

Civilization -Because of farming, people could finally settle down in one place -As people settled in one place, they began to build things and create societies with governments and economies -People would often choose to settle next to a major river because water was necessary for farming and survival -Civilizations began to form along the Nile River, the longest in the world, between 4, 000 -1, 000 BCE Significance: Powerful African civilizations began to develop

Bantu Migration -Between 1, 000 -500 BCE, the Bantu people (a large group of people who spoke similar languages) migrated south in Africa -This was one of the largest human migrations in history -Significance: The Bantu people spread a huge amount of their culture to the different parts of Africa and spread people to places that before had not had people

African Masks • Ritual and ceremonial masks are an essential feature of the traditional culture and art of the peoples of Sub-Saharan Africa. • Masks usually have a spiritual and religious meaning and they are used in ritual dances and social and religious events. • A special status is attributed to the artists that create masks and to those that wear them in ceremonies.

Mask Design • One important element in African masks is the bold pattern, either painted or carved. • Most patterns tend to be geometrical and symmetrical and are presented as a form of coded information. • Parallel, zigzag, curved and spiral lines usually represent scarification marks or tattoos represent a certain tribe. • These could represent social status or have magical or religious powers.

Color Meanings Red- Life & blood Gold- Fortune Blue- Innocence Green- The earth and Africa as the mother country • Black- The Unity of the people of Africa • •

Design You Own African Mask Activity • Color and design your own African mask • Then write a short story (5 -8 Sentences) describing the meaning behind your mask and who would wear it. – Color significance – Symbol meanings, patterns and shapes – Who would wear your mask • King • Religious leader etc. ….