The Wampanoag Native American tribe lived in the northeastern United States. In this tribe the women were responsible for horticulture, cooking, tanning hides, sewing, basket making and taking care of the children. Of all these chores, making clothing for all members of their tribe was the most important. The women sewed moccasins, leggings, shirts, dresses, gloves, hats, jackets and all other clothing worn.
The Wampanoag had to make all their materials and supplies from everything nature gave them. There were no man-made supplies in their environment. In the process of making clothing, they used deer hide along with other skins, furs, deer bone, quahog shell, bark and antlers, stone scrapers and wood paddles.
Deer hide was the main ingredient in the Wampanoag everyday clothing. When the men came home from hunting the women would scrape off the hair and flesh from the animal skin with scrapers made of deer bone or stone. This would bring them to the hide. The deer hide was tanned with the brain of the animal by wooden paddles, which would spread and stretch the hide and work the brain into it. Once saturated, the tanning was wrung from the hide while stretched and kneaded. Hides were then cut into shape and size of clothing pieces (after there dried out – they need to be hung for a couple of days) with knives made of quahog shell. When the piece was ready, the women would make needles out of deer rib and string made of deer sinew and tendon. For special occasions, clothing might have been decorated with extra fur, beads, stones, etc..
The Wampanoag learned all of these skills from their elders. There is little evidence left of this special, traditional process. Fortunately, there are still bits and pieces of stone and carved bone that can be seen in museums.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
People of the Kongo - Abby
I studied the Kongo Kingdom in Central Africa, in the time-frame of 1500-1700. Lets start at the earliest time, 1500. In the 1500 the Kongo was at its best point from a living sort of view. The area spanned at about 115,000 square miles. To understand lots of this paragraph you will need to know how the Kongo’s Government worked. It worked similar to Ancient China’s Government. There was one big king, and he appointed several smaller kings to dictate over different parts of the country. Each smaller area of the Kongo contributed different things. Some dried fish, others made pottery or baskets. So, back to the historical events. Eventually, a Portuguese explorer came to the Kongo and explained his beliefs. The main Kongo King was impressed and he ended up taking up these beliefs. The next king only knew of Christianity, and frowned upon many of the Kongo people who didn’t believe in Christianity. Going back to the Portuguese, many of the African people wondered how they were getting so rich. Some, quite sadly knew the answer. The Portuguese were stealing Africans and bringing them back to Europe as slaves. Those are some cool facts about the Kongo Kingdom, Central Africa.
Kongo by Melanie
Founded by the Bakongo Tribe in the 14th century, the Kongo people lived in West Central Africa near the Atlantic Ocean and the Kongo River. This tribe had an interesting yet violent history. In these paragraphs you will learn about the Bakongo Tribe and its peaceful as well as dangerous past.
The Bakongo Tribe made the most of their surroundings. One of the benefits of living by oceans and rivers is that there are more animals to hunt, so the Kongo People always had food. They also fished for food or ate their domesticated animals if there wasn’t enough game to hunt.
The rivers and oceans were also helpful for transportation by boat. People came by boat to the Kongo Kingdom to trade with the Kongo people. The Europeans and Portuguese traded with them for copper, ivory, and slaves in for jewelry and clothing. The Europeans also brought Christianity and new weapons to the Kongo Kingdom.
The Portuguese originally had a good relationship with the Kingdom of Kongo, but over time, that friendship changed because the Portuguese got greedier and more interested in making money off of the Africans instead of helping them. The slave trade provided the most money for the Portuguese. The Kongo Kingdom’s nearness to the Atlantic Ocean made it the perfect place to capture slaves. Slaves were taken from their prison cells and shipped back to Europe in exchange for goods. When the Europeans got greedier and wanted more slaves, they started convincing innocent people to commit crimes so they would go to prison. This ultimately gave the Europeans more slaves. The population in the Kongo Kingdom decreased and they got weaker, but the Europeans kept on demanding more slaves. When the Kongo Kingdom finally said “no” the Europeans found another way to get slaves from them by attacking and declaring war. The Portuguese started taking people and forcing them to become slaves. From the 1650’s to the 19th century, ten millionslaves were taken from Africa. Out of the eight different parts of Africa that the slaves were taken from, Kongo lead with thirty nine percent, contributing to the million people that were taken. The slaves were sent to sugar, coffee, cotton, and coco plantations. They also worked in the rice fields, construction, mines, and servants in houses.
Before the Kongo Kingdom fell apart, they had a fairly well-organized society. At the top of the Social Hierarchy was the Mani-Kongos or Kings, who ruled the Kongo Kingdom. The next most powerful groups were the Provencial Governers and the Aristocatic. After them came the Village Chiefs, who were in charge of individual villages. The lowest place in the Social Hierarchy were the Villagers, who paid all of the taxes and, in turn, got gifts from the Mani-Kongo.
As you can plainly see the Kongo people survived despite attacks on their country and people. They had a wealth of natural resources, survival techniques and a well-organized society. Despite the troubles in their past they have survived and remain an important part of West Africa.
Rights
Fine arts
Transport
HOUSING
Food
Religion
The Bakongo Tribe made the most of their surroundings. One of the benefits of living by oceans and rivers is that there are more animals to hunt, so the Kongo People always had food. They also fished for food or ate their domesticated animals if there wasn’t enough game to hunt.
The rivers and oceans were also helpful for transportation by boat. People came by boat to the Kongo Kingdom to trade with the Kongo people. The Europeans and Portuguese traded with them for copper, ivory, and slaves in for jewelry and clothing. The Europeans also brought Christianity and new weapons to the Kongo Kingdom.
The Portuguese originally had a good relationship with the Kingdom of Kongo, but over time, that friendship changed because the Portuguese got greedier and more interested in making money off of the Africans instead of helping them. The slave trade provided the most money for the Portuguese. The Kongo Kingdom’s nearness to the Atlantic Ocean made it the perfect place to capture slaves. Slaves were taken from their prison cells and shipped back to Europe in exchange for goods. When the Europeans got greedier and wanted more slaves, they started convincing innocent people to commit crimes so they would go to prison. This ultimately gave the Europeans more slaves. The population in the Kongo Kingdom decreased and they got weaker, but the Europeans kept on demanding more slaves. When the Kongo Kingdom finally said “no” the Europeans found another way to get slaves from them by attacking and declaring war. The Portuguese started taking people and forcing them to become slaves. From the 1650’s to the 19th century, ten millionslaves were taken from Africa. Out of the eight different parts of Africa that the slaves were taken from, Kongo lead with thirty nine percent, contributing to the million people that were taken. The slaves were sent to sugar, coffee, cotton, and coco plantations. They also worked in the rice fields, construction, mines, and servants in houses.
Before the Kongo Kingdom fell apart, they had a fairly well-organized society. At the top of the Social Hierarchy was the Mani-Kongos or Kings, who ruled the Kongo Kingdom. The next most powerful groups were the Provencial Governers and the Aristocatic. After them came the Village Chiefs, who were in charge of individual villages. The lowest place in the Social Hierarchy were the Villagers, who paid all of the taxes and, in turn, got gifts from the Mani-Kongo.
As you can plainly see the Kongo people survived despite attacks on their country and people. They had a wealth of natural resources, survival techniques and a well-organized society. Despite the troubles in their past they have survived and remain an important part of West Africa.
Rights
Fine arts
Transport
HOUSING
Food
Religion
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Yruba People
What I Learned About The Yoruba People
I learned the following about the Yoruba People:
Ajogeebo the Performer
If you mentioned the name Funmi Ojediran (nee Oje) in Oyo, it might not ring a bell. But if you mentioned the name “Ajogeebo”, which means “one who dances before foreigners and taken her dance to foreign land,” everybody would know whom you are talking about.
Funmi Ojediran (nee Oje), is a multi- talented artist, and able to adapt performer. She is a leading promoter of Igba titi music, and dance.
The Igba Dance
Igba titi, is a form of entertainment, which originated from a woman of the Oyo Palace. The Royal wives and princesses (Aya Oba and Omo Oba Obirin), perform this dance mainly to entertain themselves, and at special occasions, such as weddings, naming ceremonies of princes and princesses, the burial of members of the royal family, and on state occasions.
The Instrument
Igba titi musical instruments are made up of hollow wooden mortar filled water, then a hollow calabash is place upside down in the mortar. The player uses a thin stick made from cane to beat the calabash to produce the main beat. Metal rings are worn on the fingers to beat the softer notes.
Performances at the Palace
At the palace, there are always performing artists completing daily performances for the king, and visitors. There are musicians, and drummers who play bata dundun music, dancers, and official praise chanters.
The Compounds
In the Isale Oyo area, there are many compounds where woman make local soap, and cosmetics. The ancient Akesan market near the palace is a place to discover all these, and then some.
The Duundun and Bata Drums
Brass works of many different shapes tied to the duundun, and bata drums, had their origin in old Oyo. As the present Sovereign Head of State reminded, there is old Oyo saying that “Ilu ti ni agogo ide, kose iluwa, ilu ti oni se aworo koso ilu ti wa ide.” “The drum that has no brass bells and other fancy decorations is not ours.”
I learned the following about the Yoruba People:
Ajogeebo the Performer
If you mentioned the name Funmi Ojediran (nee Oje) in Oyo, it might not ring a bell. But if you mentioned the name “Ajogeebo”, which means “one who dances before foreigners and taken her dance to foreign land,” everybody would know whom you are talking about.
Funmi Ojediran (nee Oje), is a multi- talented artist, and able to adapt performer. She is a leading promoter of Igba titi music, and dance.
The Igba Dance
Igba titi, is a form of entertainment, which originated from a woman of the Oyo Palace. The Royal wives and princesses (Aya Oba and Omo Oba Obirin), perform this dance mainly to entertain themselves, and at special occasions, such as weddings, naming ceremonies of princes and princesses, the burial of members of the royal family, and on state occasions.
The Instrument
Igba titi musical instruments are made up of hollow wooden mortar filled water, then a hollow calabash is place upside down in the mortar. The player uses a thin stick made from cane to beat the calabash to produce the main beat. Metal rings are worn on the fingers to beat the softer notes.
Performances at the Palace
At the palace, there are always performing artists completing daily performances for the king, and visitors. There are musicians, and drummers who play bata dundun music, dancers, and official praise chanters.
The Compounds
In the Isale Oyo area, there are many compounds where woman make local soap, and cosmetics. The ancient Akesan market near the palace is a place to discover all these, and then some.
The Duundun and Bata Drums
Brass works of many different shapes tied to the duundun, and bata drums, had their origin in old Oyo. As the present Sovereign Head of State reminded, there is old Oyo saying that “Ilu ti ni agogo ide, kose iluwa, ilu ti oni se aworo koso ilu ti wa ide.” “The drum that has no brass bells and other fancy decorations is not ours.”
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
England: Queens and Clothes
I studied England. The two different topics from England, queens, and clothes.
The first queen I studied was Queen “Bloody” Mary. Mary was crowned queen after her brother Edward died, and her cousin Jane was deposed. Mary was catholic, so when she became queen in 1553 she wanted to bring back Roman Catholicism. There were protesters to Mary’s beliefs. Mary would burn anyone who protested against her.
Mary married a man named Phillip II of Spain. Phillip left Mary when he found out she couldn’t have a baby.
Later on Mary died of cancer at age 42, and her sister Elizabeth took over after her.
When Elizabeth was queen it was known as the Golden Age. Elizabeth was the daughter of King Henry VIII, and the sister of Mary. The people loved her. The people surrounding her wanted her executed, but the people who didn’t know her liked her being queen. She was put on the throne in 1559. She excepted Catholic Churches. Elizabeth believed that women should have just as much power as men.
I also studied clothes. I learned that men wore knee length trousers called breeches, and linen shirts. Men also wore their hair long and had beards. Women wore a nightgown called a shift with a long dress over it. The women's dresses were in two parts. The parts were called the bodice and the skirt. In the late 17th century, the men wore a three piece suit, and did not wear knickers. In the mid 17th century, women wore black patches on their faces that were crescent moons or little stars. Women wore frames for their skirts, and the frames were made from whale bone. Frames are put under a women's dress to make it puff out.
That is what I learned about England.
By Claire
The first queen I studied was Queen “Bloody” Mary. Mary was crowned queen after her brother Edward died, and her cousin Jane was deposed. Mary was catholic, so when she became queen in 1553 she wanted to bring back Roman Catholicism. There were protesters to Mary’s beliefs. Mary would burn anyone who protested against her.
Mary married a man named Phillip II of Spain. Phillip left Mary when he found out she couldn’t have a baby.
Later on Mary died of cancer at age 42, and her sister Elizabeth took over after her.
When Elizabeth was queen it was known as the Golden Age. Elizabeth was the daughter of King Henry VIII, and the sister of Mary. The people loved her. The people surrounding her wanted her executed, but the people who didn’t know her liked her being queen. She was put on the throne in 1559. She excepted Catholic Churches. Elizabeth believed that women should have just as much power as men.
I also studied clothes. I learned that men wore knee length trousers called breeches, and linen shirts. Men also wore their hair long and had beards. Women wore a nightgown called a shift with a long dress over it. The women's dresses were in two parts. The parts were called the bodice and the skirt. In the late 17th century, the men wore a three piece suit, and did not wear knickers. In the mid 17th century, women wore black patches on their faces that were crescent moons or little stars. Women wore frames for their skirts, and the frames were made from whale bone. Frames are put under a women's dress to make it puff out.
That is what I learned about England.
By Claire
Central Africa Food, By Layla
Central Africa Food
Layla
The animals that were hunted were not domestic, so they hunted practically anything.
The food that they hunted was not domestic, making it harder to find food in the
Winter. The climate was a big part of there lives, if it got to cold then the
animals would move to try to go to a hotter place, or (vice versa) so the people would
have to follow them to survive. Some of the animals that they had then for food are
extinct now because they were a huge food source.
Hunting back then was mostly small game rabbits, pheasants, geese, ducks, etc.
But sometimes hunters brought back big game like bears, elk, etc.. Central Africa is not
really like this anymore, though some people still hunt for food.
Sadly, back then people started hunting elephants for their tusk’s that are made of
Ivory it is illegal now but tragically people still do it. Gladly people are trying to stop
poachers from doing it. So please try to stop people from doing this.
Layla
The animals that were hunted were not domestic, so they hunted practically anything.
The food that they hunted was not domestic, making it harder to find food in the
Winter. The climate was a big part of there lives, if it got to cold then the
animals would move to try to go to a hotter place, or (vice versa) so the people would
have to follow them to survive. Some of the animals that they had then for food are
extinct now because they were a huge food source.
Hunting back then was mostly small game rabbits, pheasants, geese, ducks, etc.
But sometimes hunters brought back big game like bears, elk, etc.. Central Africa is not
really like this anymore, though some people still hunt for food.
Sadly, back then people started hunting elephants for their tusk’s that are made of
Ivory it is illegal now but tragically people still do it. Gladly people are trying to stop
poachers from doing it. So please try to stop people from doing this.
West Africa Empires, Food and Drinks, and Tribes By Boniat
The Empire of Ghana was the first Empire of the 3 Great West African Empires.
The government of the empire of Ghana was simple, the kingdoms were divided into districts, and there was a district leader for every district. The king of that time was head of government and most people obeyed the laws. The army had great military power. “Legend has it the king could order 200,000 warriors and 40,000 more with bows and arrows.” Daily life was basic people were farmers, miners, artists etc, hard workers sang, and laughed. “Had fresh fruit and sweet potatoes,” and the Niger River provided water for farming, bathing, washing, and fish. There were griots who were storytellers; the responsibility of a griot is to pass on stories from tradition to tradition and generation to generation. Kids instead of going to school stayed home and listened to griots.
Ancient Ghana is north and west of present day Ghana. The Soninke between 300 and 500, using their iron weapons, conquered Ghana, Ghana using only their wooden weapons were defeated.
Gold was a meaningful word in Ghana; in mid 1000’s the ruler was called King of Gold. Ghana used to mean “warrior king” now it means “gold.”
Salt was a need to have “They traded the gold from the south for the salt from North Africa.” It was a silent trade because of the lack of language. They would leave their trade then examine what they got “if they believed that it was an even trade the transition was complete if not process was repeated until agreement was reached.” Slaves were also on the market. In the capitol city, Kumbi, and by Ghanaians, slaves were sold and bought by eager North African merchants. Slaves had existed for hundreds of years, they were enslaved when captured during wars. Africans enslaved other Africans but “most were able to earn or buy their freedom at some point.”
North Africans were followers of Muhammad; Islam. “They believed they had a duty to spread Islam; peacefully if possible or by a holy war, called a jihad, if necessary.” In the 1000’s Almoravid’s (The North African Muslims) did a jihad against Ghana. In the year 1062 the leader Abu Bakr led the invasion to Kumbi in the end the Almoravids destroyed the capitol and killed anyone who refused to accept Islam. Abu died and ended the Almoravids control over Ghana. But then in 1235 invaders from Mali came to Ghana.
Mali was the second of the 3 Great West African Empires.
By oral tradition is a how we got our knowledge of Mali; from griots. “Sundiata- a prince- was spared by a cruel conqueror- Sumanguru- when he enslaved Sundiata’s people.” In 1235 he lead a revolt against the cruel conqueror during the final battle between Sundiata and Sumanguru, Sundiata won and was crowned the new ruler. “As the new ruler he included Ghana into his kingdom which he named Mali.” Unlike Ghanaians the people of Mali chose to switch to Islam, but inherited the trading system from Ghana.
The Ruler of West African Empire of Mali, Mansa Musa went on a hajj (journey) to Mecca. Legend has it that he rode a on a caravan consisted of 60,000 people. He took along slaves and his rivals so they couldn’t harm his power at home. They arrived in Egypt and gave the people there gold, in result of the journey Mali appeared on first European map. On Mansa Musa’s visit to Mecca he managed to persuade some architects, scholars, and other professionals to come back to Mali with him. “They helped to enlarge and enrich the city of Timbuktu.” The greatness only lasted till 1500’s “after Mansa Musa’s death the empire began falling apart.” “Sons of kings in the of city Gao led a revolt then set about to build the empire of Songhai.”
Songhai is the last of the 3 Great West African Empires.
Trading goods for Songhai were gold and ivory. The emperor was Sunni Ali. Sunni was one of the fiercest warriors West Africa has ever seen, he ruled from 1464-1492. “Unlike Mali and Ghana- Songhai expanded it’s trading network to Europe and Southwest Asia.” Emperor Sunni Ali came into conflict with some Muslim leaders they did not like his idea of letting people to practice their old religions instead of becoming a Muslim.
When Sunni Ali died who was next for the throne was being fought over eventually a guy named Asika Muhammad came to the throne. When he died of blindness his sons fought over the throne.
“Songhai’s final challenge came from invaders”
In 1591 an army from Morocco came to West Africa in Search of gold the army possessed an early type of gun called the harquebus. Even if the army was out numbered with the gun they were undefeatable. “With the fall of Songhai in 1591 the thousand-year rule of the three great West African empires came to an end.” European Merchants built trading posts along the coast of West Africa they sold ivory, gold, and Africans to Americans.
Food depends on climate and are made with different ingredients.
“In rural areas most families grow their own food.” Food varies according to climate and soil, there’s a lot of rice, but it’s not cheap. Places with enough rain had food like cassava, yams, and vegetables of other kind are main cooking ingredients. In partly desert places couscous is main ingredient. Meat and fish are main parts of meals but most families eat it on special occasions because so expensive. “Mutton and goat are most commonly consumed meat.” Chicken and beef saved for special times because costly. Game used to be a main food source till the overhunting and habitat loss made it limited. They hunted: rodents, antelopes, monkeys, snails, cats, dogs etc.
Common vegetables are cassavas, yams, cocoyams, millet, sorghum, corn, okra, plantains. “Cassavas can be pounded, then mixed into a paste and made into balls. The balls are fried and eaten with stew.” Sauces are usually made from groundnut (peanuts) or palm oil. Food is often eaten with your hands. “In strict Muslim house holds men and woman eat from separate dishes.”
A lot of alcoholic drinks are made in West Africa but mostly not consumed. “Beer is the most popular alcoholic drink.” A traditional drink is palm wine made of alcoholic sap from palm trees. Baskets are usually used to hold food but if tightly woven can hold drinks as well.
Fon, Fulani, Dogon, Bobo, Bambara, Ashanti, and the Anlo-Ewe are a couple of the many tribes in West Africa.
The Bobo tribe is known for their masks which have elaborate outfits to go with. The Bobo are mainly agricultural people, and grow cotton which they use to trade. The main goal of the bobo culture to restore one with nature that man had wrecked.
Their main god is Wuro/creator who must always keep things balanced, and their 2nd god is Dwo.
The Bobo have lived in the western region for long time. Their language is known as the “Bobo” or “Mande” language. “The idea of political power in the hands of an individual is foreign to them.”
The Ashanti live in central Ghana for hardly more than 50 years. They do woodcarving and metal casting. The head of the home is chosen by the elders and often is the eldest son, “he is called either Father or Housefather and is obeyed by everyone.” “A child is said to inherit the fathers soul or spirit” and inherit the mothers flesh and blood. Boys at ages 8 or 9 are taught a skill of their father’s choice by their father, and taught how to use the talking drum by their mother’s brother. “Girls are taught cooking, housekeeping skills and pottery by their mother.” “Bark cloth was used for clothing before weaving was introduced.” Men were the only ones allowed to weave, each different pattern had it’s own significance. “Patterns were not always woven in cloth, they could also be stamped on.”
Marriage is very important, men are allowed to have more than 1 wife. Lots of women don’t meet their groom until the wedding and divorces are really rare.
The Ashanti have a variety of beliefs including, plants animals and trees have souls, there are fairies, witches and monsters, ancestors, and gods in this world. The golden stool is the Ashanti’s symbol since arrived never touched ground or anybody. It “represents the worship of ancestors, well-being, and the nation of Ashanti.”
The government of the empire of Ghana was simple, the kingdoms were divided into districts, and there was a district leader for every district. The king of that time was head of government and most people obeyed the laws. The army had great military power. “Legend has it the king could order 200,000 warriors and 40,000 more with bows and arrows.” Daily life was basic people were farmers, miners, artists etc, hard workers sang, and laughed. “Had fresh fruit and sweet potatoes,” and the Niger River provided water for farming, bathing, washing, and fish. There were griots who were storytellers; the responsibility of a griot is to pass on stories from tradition to tradition and generation to generation. Kids instead of going to school stayed home and listened to griots.
Ancient Ghana is north and west of present day Ghana. The Soninke between 300 and 500, using their iron weapons, conquered Ghana, Ghana using only their wooden weapons were defeated.
Gold was a meaningful word in Ghana; in mid 1000’s the ruler was called King of Gold. Ghana used to mean “warrior king” now it means “gold.”
Salt was a need to have “They traded the gold from the south for the salt from North Africa.” It was a silent trade because of the lack of language. They would leave their trade then examine what they got “if they believed that it was an even trade the transition was complete if not process was repeated until agreement was reached.” Slaves were also on the market. In the capitol city, Kumbi, and by Ghanaians, slaves were sold and bought by eager North African merchants. Slaves had existed for hundreds of years, they were enslaved when captured during wars. Africans enslaved other Africans but “most were able to earn or buy their freedom at some point.”
North Africans were followers of Muhammad; Islam. “They believed they had a duty to spread Islam; peacefully if possible or by a holy war, called a jihad, if necessary.” In the 1000’s Almoravid’s (The North African Muslims) did a jihad against Ghana. In the year 1062 the leader Abu Bakr led the invasion to Kumbi in the end the Almoravids destroyed the capitol and killed anyone who refused to accept Islam. Abu died and ended the Almoravids control over Ghana. But then in 1235 invaders from Mali came to Ghana.
Mali was the second of the 3 Great West African Empires.
By oral tradition is a how we got our knowledge of Mali; from griots. “Sundiata- a prince- was spared by a cruel conqueror- Sumanguru- when he enslaved Sundiata’s people.” In 1235 he lead a revolt against the cruel conqueror during the final battle between Sundiata and Sumanguru, Sundiata won and was crowned the new ruler. “As the new ruler he included Ghana into his kingdom which he named Mali.” Unlike Ghanaians the people of Mali chose to switch to Islam, but inherited the trading system from Ghana.
The Ruler of West African Empire of Mali, Mansa Musa went on a hajj (journey) to Mecca. Legend has it that he rode a on a caravan consisted of 60,000 people. He took along slaves and his rivals so they couldn’t harm his power at home. They arrived in Egypt and gave the people there gold, in result of the journey Mali appeared on first European map. On Mansa Musa’s visit to Mecca he managed to persuade some architects, scholars, and other professionals to come back to Mali with him. “They helped to enlarge and enrich the city of Timbuktu.” The greatness only lasted till 1500’s “after Mansa Musa’s death the empire began falling apart.” “Sons of kings in the of city Gao led a revolt then set about to build the empire of Songhai.”
Songhai is the last of the 3 Great West African Empires.
Trading goods for Songhai were gold and ivory. The emperor was Sunni Ali. Sunni was one of the fiercest warriors West Africa has ever seen, he ruled from 1464-1492. “Unlike Mali and Ghana- Songhai expanded it’s trading network to Europe and Southwest Asia.” Emperor Sunni Ali came into conflict with some Muslim leaders they did not like his idea of letting people to practice their old religions instead of becoming a Muslim.
When Sunni Ali died who was next for the throne was being fought over eventually a guy named Asika Muhammad came to the throne. When he died of blindness his sons fought over the throne.
“Songhai’s final challenge came from invaders”
In 1591 an army from Morocco came to West Africa in Search of gold the army possessed an early type of gun called the harquebus. Even if the army was out numbered with the gun they were undefeatable. “With the fall of Songhai in 1591 the thousand-year rule of the three great West African empires came to an end.” European Merchants built trading posts along the coast of West Africa they sold ivory, gold, and Africans to Americans.
Food depends on climate and are made with different ingredients.
“In rural areas most families grow their own food.” Food varies according to climate and soil, there’s a lot of rice, but it’s not cheap. Places with enough rain had food like cassava, yams, and vegetables of other kind are main cooking ingredients. In partly desert places couscous is main ingredient. Meat and fish are main parts of meals but most families eat it on special occasions because so expensive. “Mutton and goat are most commonly consumed meat.” Chicken and beef saved for special times because costly. Game used to be a main food source till the overhunting and habitat loss made it limited. They hunted: rodents, antelopes, monkeys, snails, cats, dogs etc.
Common vegetables are cassavas, yams, cocoyams, millet, sorghum, corn, okra, plantains. “Cassavas can be pounded, then mixed into a paste and made into balls. The balls are fried and eaten with stew.” Sauces are usually made from groundnut (peanuts) or palm oil. Food is often eaten with your hands. “In strict Muslim house holds men and woman eat from separate dishes.”
A lot of alcoholic drinks are made in West Africa but mostly not consumed. “Beer is the most popular alcoholic drink.” A traditional drink is palm wine made of alcoholic sap from palm trees. Baskets are usually used to hold food but if tightly woven can hold drinks as well.
Fon, Fulani, Dogon, Bobo, Bambara, Ashanti, and the Anlo-Ewe are a couple of the many tribes in West Africa.
The Bobo tribe is known for their masks which have elaborate outfits to go with. The Bobo are mainly agricultural people, and grow cotton which they use to trade. The main goal of the bobo culture to restore one with nature that man had wrecked.
Their main god is Wuro/creator who must always keep things balanced, and their 2nd god is Dwo.
The Bobo have lived in the western region for long time. Their language is known as the “Bobo” or “Mande” language. “The idea of political power in the hands of an individual is foreign to them.”
The Ashanti live in central Ghana for hardly more than 50 years. They do woodcarving and metal casting. The head of the home is chosen by the elders and often is the eldest son, “he is called either Father or Housefather and is obeyed by everyone.” “A child is said to inherit the fathers soul or spirit” and inherit the mothers flesh and blood. Boys at ages 8 or 9 are taught a skill of their father’s choice by their father, and taught how to use the talking drum by their mother’s brother. “Girls are taught cooking, housekeeping skills and pottery by their mother.” “Bark cloth was used for clothing before weaving was introduced.” Men were the only ones allowed to weave, each different pattern had it’s own significance. “Patterns were not always woven in cloth, they could also be stamped on.”
Marriage is very important, men are allowed to have more than 1 wife. Lots of women don’t meet their groom until the wedding and divorces are really rare.
The Ashanti have a variety of beliefs including, plants animals and trees have souls, there are fairies, witches and monsters, ancestors, and gods in this world. The golden stool is the Ashanti’s symbol since arrived never touched ground or anybody. It “represents the worship of ancestors, well-being, and the nation of Ashanti.”
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