But many West Africans lived in stateless societies with no government other than that provided by extended families and lineages . In extended families, nuclear families (husband, wife, and children) or in some cases polygynous families (husband, wives, and children) acted as economic units.
How was early African society organized?
In these societies, people were divided into classes and had different rights according to gender , a division known as social stratification. The government was often very centralized, usually around a single ruler, and controlled resources, trade, and the military.
What was the society like in West Africa?
Some were hunters and fishers . Merchants traded with other African communities, as well as with Europeans and Arabs. Some West Africans mined gold, salt, iron, copper or even diamonds. African art was primarily religious, and each community had artisans skilled at producing works that would please the tribal gods.
How did families in West Africa organize their work?
But many West Africans lived in stateless societies with no government other than that provided by extended families and lineages . In extended families, nuclear families (husband, wife, and children) or in some cases polygynous families (husband, wives, and children) acted as economic units.
How were West Africans governed?
His central government comprised an appointed governor, an executive, and a legislative council . Local administration and jurisdiction, however, depended on traditional rulers and traditional institutions.
How did trade develop in West Africa?
With the use of camels trade routes began to form between cities across the Sahara Desert. ... Islamic traders entered the region and began to trade for gold and slaves from Western Africa. The trade routes remained an important part of the African economy throughout the Middle Ages until the 1500s.
Who first started slavery in Africa?
The transatlantic slave trade
What were the key characteristics of West African society?
What were the key characteristics of West African society? West African societies varied in size from small kingdoms to large empires. Most people lived by farming , but there were also many skilled artisans. Religion and family ties were central to West African life.
What is the most important structure in ancient West Africa society?
Probably the most famous class of structure in all Africa, the Pyramids of Egypt remain one of the world’s greatest early architectural achievements, regardless of practicality and origins in a funerary context.
What were the 3 African empires?
In this collection, we examine the big three of the Ghana Empire
What caused the decline of West African empires?
With the gradual abolition of slavery in the European colonial empires during the 19th century, slave trade again became less lucrative and the West African empires entered a period of decline, and mostly collapsed by the end of the 19th century.
How did empires in West Africa grow powerful?
Using trade to gain wealth , Ghana, Mali, and Songhai
What impact did trade have on West Africa?
By providing firearms amongst the trade goods , Europeans increased warfare and political instability in West Africa. Some states, such as Asante and Dahomey, grew powerful and wealthy as a result. Other states were completely destroyed and their populations decimated as they were absorbed by rivals.
Who controlled the trade in West Africa?
Over time, Ghana took control of trade from merchants. Merchants from the north and south then met to exchange goods in Ghana. By 800 Ghana was firmly in control of West Africa’s trade routes. Nearly all trade between northern and southern Africa passed through Ghana.
What factors helped the trade flourish in West Africa?
What factors helped the trade system flourish in West Africa? Gold, positioning of the major cities provided a good location between trade routes and also allowed trade over seas.
