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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

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African Culture

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  1. African Culture Objective: To examine and discuss aspects of African customs, beliefs, and traditions.

  2. 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

  3. African Religion • Wide range of languages, societies, beliefs & culture • Early Africans were monotheistic • Recognition of Superior Creator God (male God set world in motion/ order) • This Creator God intervenes in human affairs • All-knowing, all-powerful and omnipotent • Africans do recognize lesser Gods Bumba:Creator god of the Boshongo of Zaire, who vomited up the sun, earth, and all living creatures including man.

  4. Ancestor Worship: • Many African believe their ancestors can help/ hurt them • Ancestors honored through prayers • Clan 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

  5. African Religion: Animistic Beliefs • 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, ceremonies • Honor deities, spirits, or ancestors

  6. African “Diviners” • Individuals who have an ability or by special training can mediate between humanity and supernatural beings

  7. African “Diviners” • Illness, 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

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

  9. African Culture Mosai People of Kenya

  10. Sources: • Google Images • United Streaming: Discovery Education

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