“Society and Culture”I. Society in West African Empires

a. early African history is not know because of oral traditionsb. the society was male oriented (i.e. leadership, warfare, and Islamic learning) c. caste system: determined an individual’s social structure based on the family he or she was born into

A. Social Structurea. top of class system was the emperor of the kingdomb. nobility and kings were next in highest caste system (i.e. lead armies and governed)c. traders and free people of townd. skilled workers (a.k.a. labor specialization)

B. Slavery in West Africaa. lowest in caste were slavesb. born into slavery, war captives, political prisoners, and kidnapped victimsc. W. African slaves could buy freedom and had rights

C. Importance of Kinshipa. lineage: a group of people descended from common ancestor (i.e. cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc.)b. family/ancestor—lineage---clan (close related)---village (multiple clans)---a social group called an ethnic group

D. City and Village Lifea. language is divided urban (Arabic for trade and Islam) and rural (family/village language) b. rural income was from farming and herding c. urban income was based on trade from caravans

II. African Religionsa. although Islam and Christianity were prevalent, many ancient Africans chose to follow family religions

A. Religious Ritualsa. people worshipped gods on a daily basis and prayed to get advice through religious officials

B. Honoring Ancestors a. the people believed that their ancestors became spirits after deathb. by honoring ancestors through shrines and sacrifices, the spirits were happy

Mr. David Masenhimer

III. Cultural Legacya. oral tradition: spoken history, poetry, folk tales to teach past and entertain

A. A Rich Oral Traditiona. proverb: as known as a wise saying that is quick and full of wisdom b. griot: professional storyteller. Often people of nobility were assigned their own griot c. griots functioned as a sound/justice oriented voice for kings and rulers, but it was mostly history and culture they were passing

B. Music, Dance, and Arta. dances marked stages of life, for example, birth, marriage, and deathb. the most popular instrument was the drum c. art included wooden masks, plaques, sculptures of soldiers

Mr. David Masenhimer