African Culture

African Culture Objective: To examine and discuss aspects of African customs, beliefs, and traditions. African Religion: Religion helped unite African society Oral tradition and myths are used to teach morals Dancing, singing, & music all are part of religious celebrations in African culture

African Religion Wide range of languages, societies, beliefs & cultureEarly Africans were monotheistic Recognition of Superior Creator God (male God set world in motion/ order) Bumba:Creator god of the Boshongo of Zaire, who vomited up the sun, earth, and all living creatures including man.

This Creator God intervenes in human affairs All-knowing, all-powerful and omnipotent Africans do recognize lesser Gods Ancestor Worship: Many African believe their ancestors can help/ hurt them Ancestors honored through prayersClan leader responsible for ritual Direct connection between living and dead Ex. The Baganda people of East Africa believe every object on Earth has a living spirit (because Supreme Being created everything)They apologize to animal if hunting asking forgiveness Lesser Gods associated with Sun, wind, rain, trees, rivers & other nature These Gods can bring harm/ benefit to Humans Souls of the departed can intervene in descendants lives African ritual:Prayers, animal sacrifice, ceremoniesHonor deities, spirits, or ancestors

African Religion: Animistic Beliefs African DivinersIndividuals who have an ability or by special training can mediate between humanity and supernatural beings

African DivinersIllness, crop failures, natural disasters consult with them

Diviners then consult with oracles (identify causes of trouble)

Diviners then prescribe medicine ritual or sacrifice to eliminate the problem

African Influence on Religion: Christianity: 4th c. Kingdom of Axum Missionaries visit Axum- kings convertWith expansion of Islam -isolated island of Christian kingdom in Ethiopia Follow basic Christian beliefs & reflect African beliefs as wellEvil spirits- protection

Islam: Strong appeal to ruling elites and merchant class-basis for business relationships Like Christianity, Islam in sub-Saharan Africa reflect interests of local converts (East & West Africa) Measures against evil spirits & continue rituals to please Gods/ Goddesses

African Culture Mosai People of Kenya

Sources:Google Images United Streaming: Discovery Education