Ashanti

A-shan-ti

(no prefixes or suffixes)

The Ashanti used to be an important kingdom in west Africa.

a former native kingdom and British colony in West Africa:

now a region of Ghana

Tropical Rain forest

Tro-pi-cal Rain for-est

(no prefixes or suffixes)

Africa has one of the three largest tropical rain forests in the world.

area with a hot, wet and humid tropical climate; supports growth of tropical forests

Deforestation

De-for-est-a-tion

-tion (act, result, or state of)

Deforestation can lead to extensive soil erosion.

destruction or loss of forest area

Ashanti People

Religion

• The Ashanti are a major ethnic group living in central Ghana in western Africa

• While most Ashanti are Christian, traditional religious beliefs are the 2nd largest group

• Their religion is a mixture of supernatural and spiritual powers

• They believe plants, animals, and trees have souls

Culture• The family and the mother’s clan are most important• They live as an extended family in homes or huts set

up around a courtyard• The roles of family members are set in traditions that

are centuries old• Marriage is very important to Ashanti community life

and it can be polygamous. • Men may want more than one wife to express their

willingness to be generous and support a large family.

Culture cont.

• Women may pick cotton or spin materials into thread

• Only men weave• Kente is their well-known, hand-woven

ceremonial cloth that represents history, philosophy, ethics, oral literature, and religious principles

• Years ago only royalty were allowed to wear this special type of cloth

Culture cont.

• Mothers teach their daughters pottery and housekeeping skills

• Women farm and carry water• At age 8 or 9, fathers train their sons in a skill

the father chooses