COACH MARTIN West African Societies Around 1492 Big
COACH MARTIN West African Societies Around 1492
Big Idea �West Africa in the 1400 s is home to a variety of peoples and cultures.
West Africa Connects The Wider World �The Sahara Highway Trading highway that connects West Africa to rest of the world Highway also brings Islam to the middle east �The Portuguese Arrive Portuguese begin to create the West African slave trade to Europe � First slaves work on plantations- single crop farm
Three Kingdoms Flourish In West Africa � 1) Songhai � 2) Benin � 3) Kongo
Songhai �Songhai gained power/ wealth from controlling the trans-Sahara trade Controlled the Savanna or dry grass land but not the rainforests Askia Muhammad is master organizer, devout Muslim, scholar
Benin �Benin controlled a large region around the Niger Delta Controlled the metal making industries � Brass making, bronze, sculptures, and plaques
Kongo �Kongo controlled the rainforest area around the lower Congo River The Kongo people mined iron ore, produced tools, and weapons Wove palm trees into a fabric similar to velvet � Great for trade
West African Culture �Family and Government Lineage- line of common descent Oldest family member is the ruler May have one ruler that consults with counselors �Religion All things have spirits Only one true God- Islam/Christianity
West African Culture �Livelihood �Make living from farming, herding, hunting, fishing, mining, trading �Land owned by family or village; individuals farm plots �Use of Slave Labor Slaves are lowest social group; slavery not inherited or permanent Slaves freed through adoption by owners, marriage, other means
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