Ethnic Groups of Africa Ethnic groups Ethnic Groups

Ethnic Groups of Africa

Ethnic groups: ► Ethnic Groups in Africa: Bantu, Swahili, Ashanti and Arabs- share many common characteristics, such as language, physical features, customs and traditions

Religious Groups ► Major Religions in Africa: Traditional Beliefs, Christianity and Islam- people who share a common belief system, but not necessary composed of a single ethnic groups.

Major differences between cultures: ► what makes them unique and differentiates them from other groups ► Ashanti is a mixture of spiritual and supernatural powers ► Bantu is a belief in the power of ancestors in everyday life

Arab ► Includes Muslims and Christians ► In Africa, the predominant religion for Arabs is Islam ► Married local women and integrated ► Muslim is now found throughout Africa

How did Arab ethnicity spread? ► Arab traders lead caravans across the Sahara desert for salt and gold ► Arabic language was necessary if you want to read Quran/Koran

What the Ashanti Believe Ashanti believe in a supreme God, Nayme ► Nayme’s children are the natural powers ► All living things have souls ► Also believe in ► § § Witches Demons Spirits faries

Ashanti Family ► Ancestors are given respect ► Ceremonies for all steps of life § § Birth Puberty Marriage Death

Bantu History and Culture Bantu were known as farmers, animal herders, iron-making crafts ► Spread south and east along continent ► Following rivers and streams ► Meet and married many new people and cultures ►

Other Religions on the Bantu ► Many Bantu settled in areas with a Muslim presence ► Others lived in Christian areas ► Some followed traditional animist religions (believe that spirits living in all things)

Swahili ► Mix of African and Muslim ► Swahili means “one who lives on the coast” in Arabic ► Most Swahili today are city dwellers ► Jobs of fishing and trade

► Most Swahili are Muslim ► Follow a mixture of Muslim and Traditional African Culture called Mila.

Summary ► Explain how Islam and Christianity came to Africa. ► Explain the differences between Ashanti, Bantu and Swahili ethnic groups.