The cultural achievements of West Africans have significantly influenced the culture of the United States, particularly in the areas of art, music, oral traditions, and visual arts . Writers, artists, and musicians have incorporated many aspects from West Africa in their work.
What are the three main cultural influences in West Africa?
West Africa forms the westernmost region of the African continent. People have occupied the area for thousands of years, and its population is ethnically diverse though culturally relatively similar. The beliefs of native cultures include Islam, Christianity and various traditional African religions .
How do West African written and oral traditions influence life today?
How do West African written and oral traditions influence life today? The writings tells us about the heritage and culture . ... West African music has influenced gospel, jazz, blues, rock and roll, and rap. West African drumming and Afro-Cuban drumming are still popular around the world.
What are some cultural achievements of West Africa?
The cultural achievements of West Africans are still influential today. incorporate many elements from West African oral traditions in their novels and other works . ... West African influences are still heard in world music. Visual Arts Visual arts include sculptures, masks, textiles, and the design of everyday objects.
What are the cultural influences in Africa?
For example, social values, religion, morals, political values, economics and aesthetic values all contribute to African Culture. Expressions of culture are abundant within Africa, with large amounts of cultural diversity being found not only across different countries but also within single countries.
What role does oral tradition play in African culture?
Oral Traditions make it possible for a society to pass knowledge across genera- tions without writing. They help people make sense of the world and are used to teach children and adults about important aspects of their culture . There is a rich tradition throughout Africa of oral storytelling.
Why was oral tradition been so important in West Africa?
Oral tradition is important in west Africa because modern writers add to the oral legacy some have turned oral traditions to novels . What functions did music serve in west Africa? Music communicated ideas and values also expressed feelings and celebrated important evens such as weddings,funerals and ceramonies.
What are West African storytellers called?
Griot , Mande jeli
What instruments were used in West Africa?
SPOTLIGHT COLLECTION: WEST AFRICA features percussion instruments including djembe, dunun and bells , which can be used in the ensemble. Additionally included are the calabash and krin, which can be used as solo instruments.
What economic activities can be found in West Africa?
The main economic activity in the region is subsistence agriculture . Minerals, diamonds, or oil are also extracted in varying amounts in West Africa. West Africa has a large number of independent states that share similar economic qualities of poverty with rapidly expanding populations.
What are the culture and traditions of Africa?
African Tradition
Is Africa rich in culture?
Africa was the birthplace of the human species, between eight million and five million years ago. Today, its culture reflects the diverse populations that inhabit the continent. The African people have a rich tradition of arts and crafts , including sculptures, paintings, pottery, and ceremonial and religious headgear.
What are some traditions in Africa?
- The courtship dance of the Wodaabe. ...
- The lip plates of the Mursi. ...
- The bull jumping of the Hamar. ...
- The red ochre of the Himba. ...
- The spitting of the Maasai. ...
- The healing dance of the San.
What is the importance of oral tradition?
Oral Traditions make it possible for a society to pass knowledge across genera- tions without writing . They help people make sense of the world and are used to teach children and adults about important aspects of their culture.
What is the importance of storytelling in African culture?
Storytelling in Africa provides entertainment, satisfies the curiosities of the African people , and teaches important lessons about everyday life. It is essentially a communal participatory experience.
What are the characteristics of oral tradition?
- repetition of phrases to emphasize points or themes.
- interaction with the audience.
- strong rhythm and meter.
- music, costume, and props.
- idiomatic expressions.
- strong imagery.
- techniques such as onomatopoeia (creating sounds that imitate sounds found in nature)
