APAAS UNIT 1 PART 2 VOCAB

Sudanic Empires

Empires that included Ghana, Mali, and Songhai, located in the Sahel region of West Africa.

Trans-Saharan

Referring to trade that crosses the Sahara desert in North Africa.

Commerce

The activity of buying and selling goods, particularly on a large scale.

Mansa

A title meaning king or emperor in the context of the Mali Empire.

Mansa Musa

Ruler of the Mali Empire known for his immense wealth derived from the gold and salt trade.

Veneration of the Ancestors

The practice of respecting and honoring deceased family members believed to still hold power.

Divination

A method used to communicate with the spiritual world for guidance and understanding of the future.

Griot

A West African storyteller, musician, and historian responsible for preserving culture and history.

Syncretic Religious Practice

The merging of different religious beliefs and practices into a unified tradition.

Cosmology

Cultural beliefs regarding the origins and structure of the universe and humanity's place within it.

Great Zimbabwe

An empire in Southeastern Africa that flourished between the 11th and 15th centuries, known for its wealth from gold and ivory trade.

Swahili Coast

A coastal region in East Africa known for its trade connections with various regions including Arabia and China.

Cultural Syncretism

The blending of various cultural elements, such as Yoruba traditions with Western artistic influences, as seen in the painting "Oya's Betrayal."

Racialized Slavery

A system of slavery that became defined by race, specifically targeting people of African descent.

Kongo's First Impressions of Portuguese Traders

Kongolese leaders initially viewed Portuguese traders as potential allies and trading partners.

Queen Mother Idia

A significant historical figure from the Benin Kingdom known for her role in supporting her son and symbolizing female empowerment.

Queen Njinga

A powerful ruler from Ndongo and Matamba remembered for her resistance against Portuguese expansion.

Elmina Castle

Built by Portugal in 1482 in modern-day Ghana, it became a significant trading post for gold and enslaved Africans.

São Tomé

An island off the coast of West Africa where the Portuguese established plantations using enslaved African labor.

Islam's Influence in West Africa

Brought through the Trans-Saharan trade, significantly impacting the culture and wealth of empires like Mali.

Mali’s Universities in Timbuktu

Centers of learning where Muslim historians and scholars taught, using Arabic as the written language.

Impact of North African Horses and Steel Weapons

Provided the Mali Empire with military advantages for conquest and control over trade routes.

Mansa Musa's Hajj

Significant pilgrimage to Mecca that showcased Mali’s wealth and resulted in increased inflation in Cairo.

The Wolof Empire's Relationship with Portugal

Began as trade interactions that later shifted focus towards the slave trade.

Impact of Christianity in Kongo

Adapted to include elements of African beliefs, creating a distinct form of Catholicism.

Kongo's Wealth through Trade

Initially enhanced by trading with Portugal, but later diminished due to demands for enslaved people.

Great Zimbabwe's Stone Architecture

Included structures like the Great Enclosure and conical tower, symbolizing authority and power.

Cultural and Political Norms in West Africa vs. United States

West African societies had diverse governance structures and cultural practices while US history often centered European-American culture.