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African Mythology. African Culture . As diverse as the continent is large Until Western interference Less centralized Based on tribal affiliation. Regions . Boarders are really arbitrary Tribes do not fit into neat packages like the countries. Zaire.
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African Culture • As diverse as the continent is large • Until Western interference • Less centralized • Based on tribal affiliation
Regions • Boarders are really arbitrary • Tribes do not fit into neat packages like the countries
Zaire • Currently the Democratic Republic of Congo • Home of the Bakuba and Boshongo People • Depended on fishing, hunting, and crops • Bantu speaking peoples
Benin • Formerly known as Dahomey • Home to the Fon people • Skilled in battle • Enemies with the Yoruba • Gods control individual forces of nature • Also home to the Yoruba people • Also live in Nigeria • Identified with the city-state • Principle city = Ife
Ghana • Home to the Fasa or Soninke people • Located on the coast • 2000 years old • Fasa = aristocrats who fight on horseback • Legendary city = Wagadu • Responsible for 1st African empire
Segu • Currently a part of Mali • Home to the Bambara people • Highly regimented society socially • Magic = important • Strong ties to Muslim culture
Deities • Most regions have multiple gods that may be grouped together by family relationships. • Almost all cultures recognize a supreme god – all powerful creator usually associated with the sky • Wooden headrest at right represents twins – special significance: balance between opposing forces that exist in natural world
Deities • Number varies from culture to culture • Buganda – largest pantheons of 20+ deities • Sun, moon, earth often seen as deities • Congo River area – forest is a deity • Other spirits – ancestors, rulers, heroes
Types of Myths • How things came to be - creation • Gods cross the seas • Twins • Tricksters • Animals