Origins of the African Diaspora: Unit 1

Interdisciplinary approach

Combines multiple academic disciplines for analysis.

Misleading notions

Incorrect beliefs about African history and culture.

Birthplace of humanity

Africa is considered the origin of all humans.

Geographically diverse

Varied landscapes and environments across Africa.

Climate zones

Different climatic regions affecting habitation and agriculture.

Sahara

People were nomadic and traded salt. Largest hot desert in the world, located in Africa.

Sahel

People traded livestock and camels. Semi-arid region between the Sahara and savannas. Partially home to Ghana Mali and Songhai.

Savanna grasslands

Bantu descendants cultivated grain and did iron work. Tropical grasslands with scattered trees, rich biodiversity. Partially home to Ghana Mali and Songhai.

Niger River

Major river in West Africa, vital for trade.

Congo River

Second longest river in Africa, crucial for transport.

Nile River

Longest river in the world, essential for agriculture.

Domestication

Process of adapting wild plants and animals for human use.

Nomadic

Lifestyle characterized by moving from place to place.

Kola trees and yams

Important crops in West African agriculture.

Bantu Expansion

Migration of Bantu-speaking peoples across Africa.

Bantu linguistic family

Group of languages spoken by Bantu peoples.

African ethnolinguistic diversity

Variety of ethnic groups and languages in Africa.

Complex societies

Advanced societal structures with governance and economy.

Nubia

Ancient region along the Nile, south of Egypt.

25th dynasty of Black Pharaohs

Period of African rule in ancient Egypt.

Aksumite Empire

Ancient empire known for trade and Christianity.

Maritime trade

Trade conducted via sea routes.

Ge'ez

Ancient language of Ethiopia, still used in liturgy.

Nok

Culture known for terracotta sculptures in Nigeria.

Timbuktu

Historical center of trade and learning in Mali.

Griots

Traditional storytellers and oral historians in West Africa.

Syncretic religious practice

Blending of different religious beliefs and practices.

Islam in Mali and Songhai

Major religion influencing culture and governance.

Christianity in Kongo

Significant religion with local adaptations.

Veneration of the ancestors

Respect and honoring of deceased family members.

Divination

Spiritual practice to foresee future events.

Voodoo

Religion combining African traditions with Caribbean influences.

Great Zimbabwe

Ancient city known for its stone architecture.

Swahili Coast trade

Trade network connecting Africa with Indian Ocean.

Portuguese invasion (16th cent)

Colonial expansion impacting African societies.

Gold Trade

Economic exchange centered around gold resources.

Racialized slavery

Systematic enslavement based on racial identity.

Extended kinship ties

Broad family connections influencing social structures.

Queen Njinga of Ndongo

Famous leader resisting Portuguese colonization.

Tropical rain forests

People traded kola trees/nuts, yams, and gold

Sudanic Empires

Ghana, Mali, Songhai, prospered from long distance trade. Located in between the Sahara and Sudanian Savanah.