Question

lesson 1 african society and culture
review questions
directions: locate each heading below in your textbook. then use the information under the correct heading and subheading to help you write each answer.
i. the impact of geography
a. what types of landforms can be found in africa?
b. what are savannas?
ii. african society
a. what were african lineage groups?
b. what were matrilineal societies?
b. how did the education of african boys and girls differ?
iii. religious beliefs
a. what were the religious beliefs of the ashanti people of ghana?
b. who were diviners?

Explanation:

A. Africa has diverse land - forms including deserts (like the Sahara), savannas, rain - forests, mountains (such as the Atlas Mountains), and plateaus.
B. Savannas are grassland ecosystems with scattered trees, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons.
II. A. African lineage groups were social units based on common ancestry, often playing key roles in social, economic, and political life.
B. Matrilineal societies are those where descent and inheritance are traced through the female line.
B. In many African societies, boys were often trained in skills related to hunting, warfare, and leadership, while girls were taught domestic skills like cooking, weaving, and child - rearing.
III. A. The Ashanti people of Ghana had a complex religious system that included belief in a supreme god (Nyame) and various lesser deities and spirits. They also practiced ancestor worship.
B. Diviners were individuals believed to have the ability to communicate with the spirit world, often used to provide guidance, predict the future, and diagnose spiritual or medical problems.

Answer:

A. Deserts, savannas, rain - forests, mountains, plateaus.
B. Grassland ecosystems with scattered trees and distinct wet and dry seasons.
II. A. Social units based on common ancestry.
B. Societies where descent and inheritance are traced through the female line.
B. Boys trained in hunting, warfare, leadership; girls in domestic skills.
III. A. Belief in a supreme god, lesser deities, spirits, and ancestor worship.
B. Individuals who communicate with the spirit world for guidance, prediction, and diagnosis.