Ethnic Groups in Africa Arabs Ashanti Bantu and

Ethnic Groups in Africa Arabs, Ashanti, Bantu, and Swahili Cultures

Arabs • A. D. 600’s, Arab armies from Southwest Asia entered into North Africa (Egypt) • Brought the Arabic language and Islam • Today most Africans are Muslim and speak Arabic • Muslim leadership allowed North African cities to become major centers of learning, trade, and craft making.

The Ashanti People • Reside in central Ghana, kingdom was founded in 1701 • The Golden Stool is the center of their spiritual practices. (represents the unity of the Ashanti people and the power of their chiefs) • Belief in a supreme god, or Nayme, traditional Ashanti believe that all living things have a soul • The mother’s family is important. (Flesh & Blood) • Children get their spirits from their father. • Heritage celebrated with festivals and ceremonies. • Other religions practiced by Ashanti are Christianity and Islam

The Swahili People • Swahili means “one who lives on the coast. ” • Swahili is also a Bantu language with Arabic influence. • Reside on the East African Coast from southern Somalia to northern Mozambique • Practice a strict form of Islam mixed with beliefs in spirits that can possess a person (mila) and herbal healing medicines • Men wear charms/amulets for protection. They contain verses from the Koran

The Bantu People • Originally from Southeast Nigeria • Reached Zimbabwe around 1000 CE • The Bantu Empire controlled trading routes from South Africa to the Zambezi River. • Traded gold, copper, precious stones, animal hides, ivory, and metal goods. • Many Bantu are Muslim, Christians and follow traditional animist religions (spirits in natural objects and surroundings)