Africa

Vocabulary Ago- Attention Ame- I am listening Dabas- pants Fanga- Dance of welcome Mandiani- Dance of celebration Bantaba- dancing ground Griot- oral historian or storyteller. Call and response- One person sings a phrase or

part of a phrase, and the group responds with a slightly different melody.

Facts Africa is the world’s second largest land

mass. There are 45 countries in Africa. Approximately 300 million people live in

Africa. Over 800 ethnic groups.

Facts continued: Traditional art in Africa is connected with

the social, religious, political, and economic customs of the people; and is a prime factor in the proper functioning of the society.

Art forms found in Africa: sculpture, textiles, basketry, pottery, metalwork, leatherwork, dance, music and storytelling.

Drums: The most important instrument to the Africans. Drums are made from: wood, ceramic pots, gourds, or

large shells for the base. Animal skins make the head of the drum.

The heads are laced to the drum with strings. The strings can be tightened or loosened to change the pitch of the drum.

Drummers use their fingertips, elbows, and palms to play the drums.

The human body is an important instrument: they clap, slap knees, thighs, and chest and stomp the ground.

Masks: Leopard: Symbol of power for kings.

Carved from the ivory tusks of 5 elephants. Copper discs make the spots.

Masks: Helmet masks: made of wood and dried

grass. Worn by tribal members as they perform the dance that celebrates a young person’s coming of age.

Masks: Buffalo mask- Most important animal to the

Bobo tribe. Symbol of power.