Arab, Ashanti, Bantu, Swahili

Arab

Arab Culture and Religion• Speak Arabic

• Most Arabs are Islamic

• Islamic influence is in the Arab Culture. (Art, Geometric shapes, repetitive art, symmetry, bright colors, calligraphy)

• Education is important. Literacy = being able to read and understand the Quran

Arab Culture and Religion

• 2 Calendars. – Traditional: 365 days.

• Only used for business and work purposes. This is what the rest of the world uses.

– Lunar: 354 days. HOLIDAYS, ASTROLOGY• Based on the moon, the dates on the

calendar are not the same every year.

Ashanti

Kente: ceremonial cloth that represents history, philosophy, ethics, language.

Ashanti Culture and Religion

• Religion: Mix of supernatural and spiritual powers. – Believe plants, animals, and trees have souls

• The Ashanti believe lower gods (spirits) are on earth to assist humans.

• Ashanti priests serve the spirits and act as mediators between the supreme god and humans.

Ashanti Culture and Religion

• Mothers family is more important

• Women pick cotton and spin into thread while men weave Kente

• Mothers teach pottery and house skills, farming, carrying water

• Fathers teach sons a skill of their choice.

Bantu

Bantu Culture and Religion

• Farmers and Herders

• Located in Central and Southern Africa

• Prehistoric: have been around since 50,000 BC

Bantu Culture and Religion

• 60 million Africans can trace their language back to Bantu. (400 African languages have Bantu roots)

• Many are Christian or Islamic but still have more belief in Magic or curses

Bantu Muslims• Not allowed to play

drums or dance

• VERY strict

• Women must dress by Muslim standards

Swahili

Swahili Culture and Religion

• Muslim / Arab culture is very important

• Children finish early Elementary School, some finish Middle and High School

• Parents realize education is important for finding a job

• Many Swahili people work for the government, in offices, and schools.

Swahili Culture and Religion

• Most homes have electricity, indoor water, and a few bedrooms

• Running water is important because Muslim’s must wash before they eat.

• Relatively high standard of living

• Language has Bantu roots. Many people speak English