Family and Society
What was the most important foundation of traditional African society?
Family
What was a group with common relatives and history called?
Clan
What was the compound system?
Huts connected by walls for protection
What were traditional African storytellers called?
Griots
Who did most Africans believe in as the supreme being?
The high god
Who would become the head of the family?
Oldest male
Who led a clan?
Elder
What were traditional dwellings made of? Name all three.
Grass, stone, wood
How was history passed down?
Orally
What is the worship of demons called?
Demonism
Why were children important?
To carry on the family name
Two or more clans living together formed a what?
Tribe
What did the compound system provide?
Protection or organization
Why didn't Africans have written history?
No written language
Who used magic and supersition to help people?
Witch Doctors
What was common for men regarding marriage?
Having more than one wife
What did tribes often share? Name all three.
Customs, beliefs, and languages
What determined the materials used for dwellings?
Environment, availability, lifestyle
What did griots do for the community?
Preserved history through stories
What is the belief that spirits lived in nature called?
*** DOUBLE JEOPARDY ***
Animism
What was the main institution that transmitted culture?
Family
What biblical figure's sons were compared to tribes?
Jacob (Israel)
What type of lifestyle used portable materials?
Nomads
What did oral history help preserve besides events?
Cultural values and beliefs
The Dinka people believed the high god left because of what?
A selfish woman angered him