Culture of Africa

Three Major Religions of Africa: Traditional African Religion Animism

(50%) Christianity (20%) Islam (25%)

Religion

Shaman

Shaman

Christian Church in a rural village

Religious Breakdown in Africa

Traditional Family Structures

Nuclear Family

Extended Family

Family Structure

Mother + FatherChild

Child

Child

Child

Mother + FatherChild

ChildUncle

Grandparent

Child Grandparent

Aunt+

+

Child

Child

Forms: Ethnic & State govt. sets rules & people

follow; leaders are elected by majority or seize power; govt. controls or aides in economy, land, and resources

Tribe govt. in hands of chiefs, land belongs to all; sense of loyalty to group; play certain roles; respect for ancestors; religion is focal point of life

Hunter-Gatherer men hunt & women gather; move w/seasons or resources; low populations; no property rights; egalitarian; temporary social ties

Social Organization

“Hunter-Gatherer Groups Across the Globe”

Languages

Traditional African music (most popular)– Drums are used for sending messages to the people in

town, for ceremonies such as weddings or naming ceremonies, and even for healing sick people.

– Other popular instruments: slit gongs, rattles, double bells, bows, harps

Music African music helps to connect people together and strengthen the fabric of the community Each region of Africa has its own distinct style based off of religion, tribe, and history

Genres of popular music: blues, jazz and rumba derive from Traditional African music

Story-Telling Africans over the centuries have created stories as a

way of making sense of the world

Why tell Stories?• Sharing the human experience - to express or

communicate emotion, feelings, ideas, & info • Passing on tradition and culture –

(storytelling, folktales, myths and legends)• Recreational drama for entertainment

Art“In Africa all art is socially functional and the object is not as important as the soul force

behind the creation of the object”Africa has a rich tradition of arts & craftsExamples Include:• Woodcarvings • Brass• Leather art works• Sculpture• Paintings• Pottery• Jewelry (important personal accessory) • Masks

ClothingMen: Western style clothing Pants and knee-length shirt w/collar or sweater Traditional: two part apron/loin cloth covering front and rear

Women: Western style clothing Long dress made from shiny threads or cloth, shawl Traditional: topless with skirt made of cloth or animal hide

FoodFood and drink vary based on • local area/region• colonial food traditions• religion

The African cuisine:• fruits and vegetables• milk and dairy products• meat products The African village diet: • milk• curds• whey

Sports Soccer is most popular sport in Africa Rugby and Cricket are played throughout Africa Many African nations participate in the Olympic Games