What were the key features of West African society and culture?
What were the key characteristics of West African society? West African societies varied in size from small kingdoms to large empires. Most people lived by farming, but there were also many skilled artisans. Religion and family ties were central to West African life.
What are the four main geographic regions of West Africa?
From north to south — from the Sahara to the humid southern coast — West Africa can be subdivided into five broad east-west belts that characterize the climate and the vegetation. These are the bioclimatic zones known as the Saharan, Sahelian, Sudanian, Guinean, and Guineo-Congolian Regions, shown in the map above.
What are the elements of African culture?
African culture is expressed in its arts and crafts, folklore and religion, clothing, cuisine, music and languages. Expressions of culture are abundant within Africa, with large amounts of cultural diversity being found not only across different countries but also within single countries.
What is West African society?
West African society was one of the centers of civilization in the centuries leading up to the Atlantic slave trade. The vibrant economy and culture in West African society were greatly affected by the slave trade. The Atlantic slave trade was not abolished by the United States until 1809.
What is the most important structure in ancient West Africa society?
Probably the most famous class of structure in all Africa, the Pyramids of Egypt remain one of the world’s greatest early architectural achievements, regardless of practicality and origins in a funerary context.
What are the main physical features of West Africa?
The region of West Africa includes the southern portion of the bulge of the continent, which extends westward to the Atlantic Ocean. This region is bisected by the African Transition Zone, which borders the southern edge of the Sahara Desert. The main physical features include the Sahara Desert and the Niger River.
Which country is the best in West Africa?
The Gambia
Despite being the smallest country in Africa, The Gambia is regarded as West Africa’s best-kept secret. Surrounded by golden beaches backed by swaying palms sprinkled with scenic lagoons, an abundance of wildlife, vibrant history and culture, it offers visitors an opportunity to get in touch with nature.
What are the 16 West African countries?
The West Africa UN subregion includes the following countries:Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte D’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo .
What part of Africa was first introduced to Islam?
North Africa was first introduced to Islam because it was closest to the Middle East. Islam then spread to West Africa through the Sahara Desert.
Why Africa is rich in culture?
Africa was the birthplace of the human species, between eight million and five million years ago. Today, its culture reflects the diverse populations that inhabit the continent. The African people have a rich tradition of arts and crafts, including sculptures, paintings, pottery, and ceremonial and religious headgear.
What is African society?
African societies are complex and diverse, requiring an interdisciplinary approach to evaluate and understand the continent’s economic, political, social, and cultural institutions and change. … African societies have a philosophical worldview that is borne of the circumstance in which African peoples operate.
What are the African cultural values?
In African society, there are a set of values that guide the behavior of every member. Specific mention could be made of values such as hospitality, chastity before marriage, truth, respect for old age, covenant keeping, hard work and good character.
How were West African slaves captured?
It is thought that around 8.5 million enslaved Africans were taken to the Americas. British slave ships set off from Liverpool, Glasgow or Bristol, carrying trade goods and sailed to West Africa. Some of those enslaved were captured directly by the British traders.
What are three effects of slavery in Africa?
The implications of the slave trade included:
The slave sellers and European ‘factories’ on the West African coast. The development of slave-based states and economies. The destruction of societies. Leaders of African societies took roles in continuing the trade.
Who captured and sold the slaves in Africa?
It is estimated that more than half of the entire slave trade took place during the 18th century, with the British, Portuguese and French being the main carriers of nine out of ten slaves abducted in Africa.