Ethnic Groups of Africa

Ethnic Groups of Africa

by Jessica Edmonds

Yesterday we talked about the Arab People ​

Let's see what you remember ​

Multiple Choice

Where in Africa would you find the majority of the Arab People? 

• Northern Africa

• Southern Africa 

• Eastern Africa 

• Western Africa 

Multiple Choice

When did the Arab people enter Africa?

• 2020

• Late 600s

• The 1900s

• The 1600s

Ashanti People ​

​

​Location

• ​Prior to European colonization, the Ashanti people developed a large and influential empire in West Africa. 

• Today, they live predominately in Ghana and Ivory Coast.

• The total Ashanti population is over 7 million.

​Ancestry

• ​In 1701, a meeting of all the clan chiefs in the region was held.

• In this meeting, it was said that a Golden Stool was produced from the heavens by a priest and landed on the lap of Osei Tutu, the first king.

• The Golden Stool was declared to be the symbol of the new Ashanti kingdom.

​Ancestry

​The Golden Stool is sacred to the Ashanti, as it is believed that the kingdom will last as long as it remains in the hands of the Ashanti king.

• The Golden Stool is an Ashanti legend and has only been seen by the tribe's royalty.

• Only the king and trusted advisers know the hiding place of the stool.

​Religion

​Ashanti religion is a mixture of supernatural and animist powers.

• Animism is the belief that plants, animals, and trees have souls.

• Ashanti believe in a supreme god who takes on various names depending upon the region of worship.

• They believe lower gods, like spirits, are on earth to assist humans.

​Language

​​The major dialect of the Ashanti language is called ‘Asante’, or ‘Twi’. 

• It is spoken in and around Kumasi, the capital of the former Ashanti empire, and within the current sub-national Asante Kingdom in Ghana.

​Let's Review

​They live predominately in Ghana and Ivory Coast.

• Most speak Twi (or Asante).

• The Ashanti religion is a mixture of spiritual and supernatural powers. 

  • They believe that plants, animals, and trees have souls (animism). 

• The Golden Stool legend is very important to Ashanti culture.

The Bantu People ​

​

​Location

​Bantu generally refers to nearly 600 ethnic groups in Africa who speak Bantu languages. 

• The Bantu people are distributed throughout central and southern parts of the continent.

• Bantu make up about two-thirds of Africa’s population and cover the southern half of the continent.

• The word “bantu” means “the people”.

​Ancestry

​In Angola, archeologists have uncovered scratches on rock, massive stone pillars, and tools that place the Bantu people there about 50,000 BCE.

• From there, they evolved and spread eastward and southward. 

• As they spread across the continent, they met many new people, learned new skills, and shared their customs and beliefs. 

​Ancestry

​They intermarried with the people, accepting new traditions and blending them with Bantu culture. 

• Bantu-speaking people settled as far south as the southern tip of Africa.

• The Bantu migration was one of the largest movements of people in Africa’s history. 

Religion

​Many Bantu people settled in areas where there was a strong Arab presence and are now Muslim. 

• Other Bantu people were influenced by missionary efforts in Africa and are now Christian. 

• Whether Muslim or Christian, many Bantu retain their beliefs that precede both those religions.

  • They believe in the power of curses and magic.

​Language

​There are over 650 different Bantu languages and dialects.

• Today, close to 70 million people across the southern half of Africa speak Bantu-based languages and share some part of Bantu culture.

Multiple Choice

Where are you MOST LIKELY to find the Bantu People 

• Sahara 

• Sahel 

• Savanna 

• No Where

Swahili ​

​

Location

​The Swahili people mostly inhabit a narrow strip of land along the southern coast of East Africa (in Kenya, Tanzania, & Mozambique). 

• Members also live on several nearby islands in the Indian Ocean, including Zanzibar.

• The total population is 1,328,000.

​Ancestry

​The Swahili community developed along the coast of East Africa when Arab traders began to settle there and intermarry with the local Bantu-speaking population. 

• The group’s name comes from the Arabic word “Swahili,” which means “one who lives on the coast”.

​Religion

​Islam established its presence in the region during the 9th century, when Arab traders made contact with the Bantu people.

• The Swahili are all Muslims and Islam has been one of the factors that helped create a common identity for such a diverse group of people. 

• Since Islam is a way of life, and religious holidays are very important, the Arab culture is a vital part of Swahili culture.

​Language

​The Swahili speak the Swahili language as their native tongue.

• While the Swahili language is considered a Bantu language, there are many Arabic words and phrases included as a result of interactions with early Arab traders.

• Many also speak English.

Multiple Choice

Where can you find the majority of the Swahili People?

• Nothern Africa

• Southern Africa

• Eastern Africa

• Western Africa

Multiple Select

What two languages make up the Swahili language? 

• English

• Bantu 

• African 

• Arabic

​Good Job

• ​At this point you should have your notes filled out.

• ​When we come back from fall break we will have a Unit Test.

• ​Study Your Notes!!!

• ​Geography of Africa, Physical Features of Africa, How Climate Zones and Physical Features Effect People, and the Ethnic/Religious Groups of Africa.