Ashanti A-shan-ti (no prefixes or suffixes)

2. Ashanti A-shan-ti (no prefixes or suffixes) The Ashanti used to be an important kingdom in west Africa. a former native kingdom and British colony in West Africa: now a region of Ghana

4. Tropical Rain forest Tro-pi-cal Rain for-est (no prefixes or suffixes) Africa has one of the three largest tropical rain forests in the world. area with a hot, wet and humid tropical climate; supports growth of tropical forests

6. Deforestation De-for-est-a-tion -tion (act, result, or state of) Deforestation can lead to extensive soil erosion. destruction or loss of forest area

8. Ashanti People

9. Religion • The Ashanti are a major ethnic group living in central Ghana in western Africa • While most Ashanti are Christian, traditional religious beliefs are the 2nd largest group • Their religion is a mixture of supernatural and spiritual powers • They believe plants, animals, and trees have souls

10. Culture • The family and the mother’s clan are most important • They live as an extended family in homes or huts set up around a courtyard • The roles of family members are set in traditions that are centuries old • Marriage is very important to Ashanti community life and it can be polygamous. • Men may want more than one wife to express their willingness to be generous and support a large family.

11. Culture cont. • Women may pick cotton or spin materials into thread • Only men weave • Kente is their well-known, hand-woven ceremonial cloth that represents history, philosophy, ethics, oral literature, and religious principles • Years ago only royalty were allowed to wear this special type of cloth

13. Culture cont. • Mothers teach their daughters pottery and housekeeping skills • Women farm and carry water • At age 8 or 9, fathers train their sons in a skill the father chooses