AP AAS Unit 1: Origins of the African Diaspora

Intro to AP African American Studies

100

AP African American Studies is an _______________ course that utilizes multiple academic fields, areas of study, and perspectives to learn about the African American experience across time. 

interdisciplinary

200

Ethnolinguistic term associated with a major migration beginning in West Central Africa around 3000 BCE. 

Bantu

300

The African _______________ describes the spread of people of African descent across the world, especially through the Transatlantic Slave Trade. 

Diaspora 

400

Identify the two most likely causes of the Bantu Migration. 

1. Overpopulation

2. Climate change (desertification) 

500

Name the 5 African climate zones. 

If you can include an accurate one word description of either the climate or land for each zone you will get double points. 

Mediterranean, Sahara, Sahel, Savannah, Tropical Rainforest 

Ancient and Medieval Kingdoms

100

Ancient African kingdom particularly famous for their pyramids and hieroglyphics. 

Egypt

200

Famous leader of the Mali Empire, known for his wealth and famous pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca. 

Mansa Musa

300

Aksum was the first African kingdom to adopt ____________ as its religion. 

Christianity

400

Powerful West African kingdom that eventually collapsed due to the introduction of guns into the region from Europe. 

Songhai Empire 

500

Terracotta sculptures were commonly made by which ancient African civilization?

Nok

West African Culture

100

Name or title given to West African oral storytellers and historians 

Griots

200

Names of the two monotheistic religions that blended with traditional African religions to reflect religious syncretism. 

Islam and Christianity

300

A _____ _____ pouch was commonly carried by people in West Africa, containing items that were said to ward off evil spirits. They are still used today in Voodoo communities. 

Gris Gris

400

The most famous Griot story tells of the founding of the Mali Empire, focusing particularly on its first legendary king _____________. 

Sundiata 

500

Name 3 characteristics common to many traditional West African religious beliefs or practices. 

Polytheism (Orishas), ancestor veneration, animism, divination, emphasis on healing practices, objects and practices to protect against evil spirits, collective singing and dancing, etc. 

Medieval Kingdoms Continued

100

Name of southern kingdom in Africa, known for its extensive stone works that archeologists still study today. 

Great Zimbabwe

200

Most famous historic city in West Africa, known as a center of learning 

Timbuktu 

300

Animal commonly used by West and North African people on Trans-Saharan trade caravans. 

Camels

400

The ____________ coast was famous for its wealth and prosperity in controlling trade routes in the Indian Ocean and to Asia.

Swahili

500

Famous Queen Mother in the kingdom of Benin. An ivory mask of her has survived and is considered a priceless artifact from the era, currently residing in the British Museum. 

Idia 

Contact with Europeans

100

First European country to begin systematically enslaving African people, beginning in the 15th century. 

Portugal

200

Name of the famous queen of Ndongo who led her people in decades of fighting to resist Portuguese enslavers. 

Njinga 

300

Name of the West Central African kingdom that adopted Christianity in the late 15th century, yet was eventually oppressed by Portuguese slave traders. 

Kongo

400

Author who wrote The History and Description of Africa in 1550, which would become the foremost text on Africa read by Europeans for hundreds of years. 

Leo Africanus 

500

Name of the Portuguese prince most often credited as beginning the African Slave Trade in the late 15th century. 

Prince Henry the Navigator