Ch+19+Cultural_Intellectual

The Bantu provided a foundation for many of the societies that developed all throughout Africa. Their migrations brought the original technology of agriculture to the continent that was the beginning of more developed people. African peoples built communities based on Bantu culture including many of their traditions. The basic form of governance revolved around a kin-based society in which male heads of families constituted a village coucil, communities governed themselves, and families administered their own discipline. Population began to grow, and therefore pressured local resources and the governing abilities of a kin-based society. Military based cheifdoms were then established to fill the position for a new government. Culture began to grow more distinct, shown by sculptures, statues, and political refinement that supported an economy based on new forms of currency. Another system that helped to hold to define African was age grades. Children of a similar age worked on tasks that they were able to complete, boosting the overall productivity of the community. It also succeeded in creating close friendship ties and political allainces among children. Around the tenth century, Ghana Kings in west Africa converted to Islam, further improving their reationship with Islamic merchants. This coversion readily brought recognition and support from Islamci states. However, many converts continued to observe their own traditions nor was Islam forced upon the population. ON the east coast of Africa, the Swahili engaged in much trade bringing wealth which in turn led to the developement of the Swahili city-states governed by king that watched trade and organzied public life. The cities themxelves changed durin this time, such as the advancement of different building materials like mus and sticks to wood to eventuallu stone buildings. Simultaneously, the elite dressed in fine silk robes and had their tables set with porcelein from China. On the east coast, ruling elites as well as the wealthy merchants converted to Islam for the purpose of strong cultural leadership in thier regions. Although the conversion did not spark immediate attractions to the faith, the movement established a place in east Africa for Islam and eventually became a principal cultural and religious tradition. Christianity first arrived to Africa by Egypt and north Africa however, it first developed a strong foothold in the Kingdom of Axum, in Ethiopia. It is thought that merchants traveled from Ethiopia to other lands while missionaries visited Axum, so the merchants converted to improve their relations with the Christian Egyptians to the north.

By Kelly McNulty and Kelsey Hall Approved by David Carlson. Approved by Matt Behrendt Approved by Kristin Naour and Carrie Gedeon