African Cultures

Religious GroupShare a common belief system, but are not

necessarily composed of a single ethnic group.

Religious Groups in Africa

Three Major Religions:

• Traditional Beliefs

• Christianity

• Islam

Traditional Beliefs May include worship of

ancestors, spirits, gods, animals, land, inanimate objects, and/or natural phenomena.

Besides praying to God and the deities, there is a common theme of sacrifice in African religions.

Sacrifice is about giving something up that is very precious for any number of reasons including continuing good fortune and avoidance of disaster.

Ethnic GroupEach ethnic group has its own distinct language,

traditions, arts and crafts, history, way of life and religion

Religion of the Arab Ethnic Group

Muslims and Christians make up the religion of the Arab ethnic group

In Africa, the predominant religion of Arabs is Islam

Ashanti Ethnic Group Predominately practice a

traditional religion

Mixture of spiritual and supernatural powers

Bantu Ethnic GroupPractice a traditional religion

Belief in the power of ancestors in everyday life

Swahili Ethnic Groupo Coast of East Africa

Most Swahili today are Muslim with some traditional elements

Most men wear protective amulets around their necks, which contain verses from the Qu’ran.

Your Turn! Can you explain what a

traditional religion is??