SSWG4g. Describe the ethnic and religious groups in Sub-Saharan Africa; include major customs and

traditions.

Ethnic Groups of Africa

If everyone had their own

country…

Where: Central GhanaCulture:

Speak TwiRich in proverbsAnimism

Trees, animals etc. have soulsAncestor worship

“Talking drums”How young boys learn the languageMuch of jazz, blues & reggae have roots here

Kente ClothWomen make thread but only men can weave clothReserved for royalty

Ashanti

Ashanti

Where: Eastern coast of Africa (Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique)

CultureLanguage is a mix of Arabic & BantuSwahili is considered the international

language of AfricaPrimary MuslimMuch of the food is influenced by Middle East

& IndiaClothing of bright clothsKwanzaa is Swahili based

Swahili

Swahili

Where: Eastern AfricaCulture

Traditional clothing made of calfskin or buffalo hide

Also known for bright red robesHerders and farmersRites of passage

At 15 boys become junior warriors and live apart to protect.

Earlobe piercingsAround 8 have upper part piercedAge 10 lower part—expanded with wood

Known for intricate beadwork and jewelry

Masai

Masai

Khoikhoi & San are not the same but closely relatedWhere: Khoikhoi=Western portions of Southern AfricaWhere: San=Eastern portions of Southern AfricaSometimes called “bushmen” because of where they

liveCulture:

Considered to be a “short” ethnic groupExtensive folktales related to the BantuMostly nomadic hunter gatherersSome herdingAncient rock paintingsExtensive rights of passage“Persistence hunting”

Khoikhoi & San

Khoikhoi & San

Where: Central AfricaCulture:

Language related to Kwa, but with sounds playing a role

PolytheisticProverbs very importantMusical style has lots of percussion

instrumentsMasksEat a lot of yams

Ibo

Ibo