African Cosmologies and Trade Dynamics

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Questions and Answers

What is religious syncretism?

  • The promotion of a single religion globally.
  • The blending of two or more religions. (correct)
  • The replacement of one religion with another.
  • The segregation of religious practices.

Which of the following was a significant reason for the wealth of the Kingdom of Kongo?

  • The conversion to Christianity and trade with Portugal. (correct)
  • The defeat of Portuguese forces.
  • The extensive mining of gold resources.
  • The establishment of sugar plantations.

What architectural feature was significant about Great Zimbabwe?

  • It acted solely as a residential area.
  • It served primarily as a source of timber.
  • It provided locations for ancient temples.
  • It was used for military defense and symbolized autonomy. (correct)

What role did Queen Idia of Benin play in her society?

<p>She served as a political advisor to her son, the king. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one consequence of Portuguese colonization in Atlantic islands like Cabo Verde?

<p>The establishment of plantations for various crops. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the trade links of the Swahili Coast city-states?

<p>They had strong links with Arabs, Persians, Indians, and Chinese. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a major effect of Portuguese pressure on the Kingdom of Kongo?

<p>An increase in slave exports. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a characteristic of Queen Njinga of Ndongo-Matamba's legacy?

<p>Her example inspiring future women rulers. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Religious Syncretism

The merging of two or more religious traditions, practices, and cultures.

Vodou

A West African religion that blended Christian and traditional beliefs, brought to the Americas by enslaved people.

Great Zimbabwe

A stone structure in Southern Africa, used for military defense, trade, and as a symbol of independence.

Swahili Coast

A region on the East African coast, known for its city-states and thriving trade with Arabs, Persians, Indians, and Chinese.

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Kingdom of Kongo

A powerful kingdom in Central Africa that embraced Christianity, strengthening its trade with Portugal.

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African Catholicism

A form of Catholicism developed in the Kongo Kingdom, combining Christian beliefs with African traditions.

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Queen Idia of Benin

A political advisor to the king of Benin, known for her leadership and influence.

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Queen Njinga of Ndongo-Matamba

A queen who led the resistance against Portuguese colonization in Ndongo-Matamba, inspiring generations of women leaders.

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Study Notes

Indigenous Cosmologies and Religious Syncretism

  • Religious syncretism blends two or more religions
  • Voodo is an example blending West African and Christian practices
  • Syncretism reflected in practices and culture

Culture Trade in Southern and East Africa

  • Great Zimbabwe's stone architecture was for military defense and long-distance trade
  • The Swahili Coast city-states thrived due to trade connections (Arab, Persian, Indian, Chinese)
  • These city-states became targets for Portuguese invasion

West Central Africa: Kongo

  • Kongo's conversion to Christianity strengthened its trade with Portugal
  • Early positive relationship turned confrontational due to Portugal's demand for slaves
  • Political power structure weakened

Kinship and Political Leadership

  • Queen Idia of Benin - political advisor to king; symbol of black women leadership
  • Queen Njinga of Ndongo - Matamba - example of women rulers
  • She led resistance against Portuguese for nearly a century

Global Africans

  • African elites travelled to Mediterranean ports for education and religious reasons
  • Portuguese colonization of Atlantic islands resulted in cotton, indigo & sugar plantations

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