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Which of the following was one of the earliest kingdoms to emerge in modern Ghana?
Which of the following was one of the earliest kingdoms to emerge in modern Ghana?
What is one characteristic of the kingdoms mentioned in the content?
What is one characteristic of the kingdoms mentioned in the content?
Which major rivers bounded the area where these early kingdoms emerged?
Which major rivers bounded the area where these early kingdoms emerged?
What linguistic group do the people of the mentioned kingdoms belong to?
What linguistic group do the people of the mentioned kingdoms belong to?
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Which tribes were not part of the Gur linguistic group in the historical context?
Which tribes were not part of the Gur linguistic group in the historical context?
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Which major African empires were located to the south of the kingdoms mentioned?
Which major African empires were located to the south of the kingdoms mentioned?
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What challenges did early states in Africa face before establishing governance?
What challenges did early states in Africa face before establishing governance?
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How was justice typically administered in the early kingdoms of Africa?
How was justice typically administered in the early kingdoms of Africa?
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What was the role of a Tengdana in the Gur speaking people's society?
What was the role of a Tengdana in the Gur speaking people's society?
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Which supreme deity was worshipped among the Gur speaking people?
Which supreme deity was worshipped among the Gur speaking people?
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Which commodities were commonly traded along the routes from the Asante region?
Which commodities were commonly traded along the routes from the Asante region?
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What is believed to have influenced the trading practices of the Wangara?
What is believed to have influenced the trading practices of the Wangara?
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What kind of worship was widespread among the Gur speaking people?
What kind of worship was widespread among the Gur speaking people?
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Which regions were key to the economic life of both the forest regions and western Sudan?
Which regions were key to the economic life of both the forest regions and western Sudan?
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Which was one of the earliest trading centers established by the Wangara?
Which was one of the earliest trading centers established by the Wangara?
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Which kingdom is noted as one of the first to emerge in the region described?
Which kingdom is noted as one of the first to emerge in the region described?
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From which region did the rulers of Mossi, Mamprusi, and Dagomba originate?
From which region did the rulers of Mossi, Mamprusi, and Dagomba originate?
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What was the spiritual home of the kings of Dagomba and Mossi?
What was the spiritual home of the kings of Dagomba and Mossi?
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Which kingdom's capital is Yagbum?
Which kingdom's capital is Yagbum?
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Which of the following is NOT one of the supposed periods for the founding of Mamprussi, Mossi, and Dagomba?
Which of the following is NOT one of the supposed periods for the founding of Mamprussi, Mossi, and Dagomba?
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Who did the Gonja people claim to descend from?
Who did the Gonja people claim to descend from?
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Which event is indicated as occurring as early as the end of the C13th?
Which event is indicated as occurring as early as the end of the C13th?
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What is one reason given to support the claim of origin for the Gonja people?
What is one reason given to support the claim of origin for the Gonja people?
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Which chief is mentioned as having led the move to establish the kingdom of Mamprusi?
Which chief is mentioned as having led the move to establish the kingdom of Mamprusi?
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What is suggested about the identity of the raiders mentioned by some historians?
What is suggested about the identity of the raiders mentioned by some historians?
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Who was the ruler of Dagomba that expanded its territory during the C15th?
Who was the ruler of Dagomba that expanded its territory during the C15th?
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During the late C15th, which states served as a defense against Mali and Songhai?
During the late C15th, which states served as a defense against Mali and Songhai?
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What is the uncertainty regarding the founding of Gonja?
What is the uncertainty regarding the founding of Gonja?
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How long did Ndewura Jakpa reign?
How long did Ndewura Jakpa reign?
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Which region did Jakpa invade around 1939?
Which region did Jakpa invade around 1939?
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What was the capital of Dagomba during the C15th?
What was the capital of Dagomba during the C15th?
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Which kingdoms were organized broadly on the same lines?
Which kingdoms were organized broadly on the same lines?
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What type of inheritance system was practiced in Dagomba?
What type of inheritance system was practiced in Dagomba?
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Which of the following accurately describes the political structure of the Mossi kingdoms?
Which of the following accurately describes the political structure of the Mossi kingdoms?
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Who traditionally enrobes the divisional chiefs in Gonja?
Who traditionally enrobes the divisional chiefs in Gonja?
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What role did the Yar-Naba play in the Mossi kingdoms?
What role did the Yar-Naba play in the Mossi kingdoms?
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How were the sub-chiefs appointed in Dagomba?
How were the sub-chiefs appointed in Dagomba?
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What social and legal influence was prominent in the Mole-Dagbani states by the 18th century?
What social and legal influence was prominent in the Mole-Dagbani states by the 18th century?
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Which group of traders was particularly controlled by the Yar-Naba in the Mossi kingdoms?
Which group of traders was particularly controlled by the Yar-Naba in the Mossi kingdoms?
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What was one way that Islamic culture influenced the customs in Mamprussi, Gonja, and Dagomba?
What was one way that Islamic culture influenced the customs in Mamprussi, Gonja, and Dagomba?
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Study Notes
Early States and Kingdoms in Africa
- The early African political systems evolved from various tribes, languages, and conflicts leading to the establishment of kingdoms.
- Key kingdoms to study include Mamprussi, Dagomba, Gonja, and the Mossi states of Yatenga and Wagadugu.
- Northern Ghana and Upper Volta were home to various ethnic groups, including the Vagala, Sisala, Dagarti, and Konkomba, sharing the Gur language and cultural background.
Political Structure and Governance
- The Gur-speaking people initially had no centralized government; chiefs were local headmen without extensive political authority.
- Land was divided into areas known as Tengani, overseen by Tengdana, who acted as spiritual mediators rather than political leaders.
- Common religious beliefs included a supreme deity and the practice of animism and fetish worship.
Trade Routes and Commercial Influence
- The region was a crucial trade hub connecting Asante and the Ivory Coast with ancient Ghana, Mali, and Songhai.
- By the mid-15th century, merchants from Gonja traded kola nuts, with Buipe emerging as a significant commercial center.
Origins and Establishment of Kingdoms
- The kingdoms of Mamprussi, Mossi, and Dagomba claimed descent from invaders of the Hausa Banza Bokwoi, originally from Zamfara, settling briefly in Mali before establishing themselves in modern Ghana.
- Historical accounts suggest that these kingdoms were active as early as the 11th century, though dates vary with some suggesting foundations occurred in the 12th to 16th centuries.
Organization of Kingdoms
- The governance structures of the kingdoms (Gonja, Mamprusi, Dagomba) retained local institutions and class systems, with divisions often reflected in their administrative practices.
- Gonja was comprised of nine districts, while Dagomba was divided into fourteen; local priests and chiefs had significant roles in governance.
- The Mossi states differed with a more centralized system where the Naba maintained tight control, assisted by ministers of state.
Cultural and Religious Influence
- Islam increasingly became predominant in governance and daily life in the Mole-Dagbani states by the 18th century, leading to Islamic features merging with traditional practices.
- Significant Islamic influences included the introduction of Muslim legal practices, calendars, and festivals in Mamprussi, Gonja, and Dagomba.
Social Dynamics and Leadership
- In Dagomba, the Na governed with the help of a Judicial Council and a State Council; succession was patrilineal with chiefs appointed by the ruling Na or Divisional Chiefs.
- The Mossi ruling class had a warrior group integral for defense and military conquests, reflecting their centralized governance model.
Conclusion
- The early political systems of Africa highlight a blend of diverse cultural backgrounds and governance structures, laying groundwork for contemporary statehood in the region.
- These historical kingdoms were crucial in shaping the political landscape of Africa and the subsequent emergence of modern political entities.
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Description
This quiz explores the origins and political systems of early African states and kingdoms. It delves into the inter-tribal dynamics, language influences, and wars that shaped these political entities. Understanding these foundational aspects is crucial for grasping the current nationhood in Africa.
