traditional religion
What type of religion believes that spirits exist in nature and ancestors?
animism
Through what activity did Islam first spread into West Africa?
trade
In which part of Africa did Christianity first spread?
east africa
What is a ritual?
a special ceremony or action with spiritual meaning
What is a diviner?
someone who interprets the will of the spirits
What did many African religions believe about ancestors?
guide and protect the living
What religion did Mansa Musa follow?
islam
What kingdom adopted Christianity early on?
axum
How did African religions pass down their beliefs?
oral tradition
What kind of people acted as healers and spiritual guides?
shamans or priests
What were sacred places often used for worship?
forest, rivers, and mountains
What African city became a center for Islamic learning?
Timbuktu
What is the name of the Ethiopian ruler who supported Christianity?
King Ezana
What role did music and dance play in religion?
they were used in rituals to honor spirits
What is the symbol of the ankh from Egypt associated with?
life
What is ancestor worship?
honoring and praying to dead family members
What is a mosque?
a Muslim place of worship
What are the churches of Lalibela known for?
being carved from a solid rock
What is a talisman or charm?
an object believed to have magical or protective powers
What tools might a spiritual leader use in a ritual?
bones, shells, or sticks for fortune-telling
How did traditional religion influence daily life?
through rituals, festivals, and moral rules
What is the Hajj and why was it important to Mansa Musa?
a pilgrimage to Mecca and he made it and gave away gold on the journey
How did Christianity survive in Ethiopia for centuries?
isolation and strong local traditions
Why were drums important in African religion?
they were used to call spirits and lead ceremonies
What is the role of a griot in both culture and religion?
preserving stories, history, and spiritual beliefs through oral tradition