SOCIAL STRATIFICATION OF ANCIENT

AFRICANS
ANCIENT AFRICAN GOVERNMENT
 Africans had a system of feudalism, in which the rulers attempted to maintain
stability within territories through a system of mutual rights and duties.

 Land was given to certain chiefs or nobles to govern, in exchange for military
service.

 The chief was expected to tribute to the royal treasury, in the form of food,
tools, leatherwork, or any product of his province(a way of paying taxes).
The chief was given almost complete control over his province,
including the right to the labour of the farmers who could not
leave the land without his permission. A farmer (person whose
service is attached to the soil).

 The chiefs were loyal to  however, controlled the army. 

The ruler and chiefs are bound by their customs and traditions.
 RELIGION IN AFRICA
Most Africans were polytheistic(believing in many gods). 

Each craft and trade was felt to have its own god, and , as they depended on agriculture
for their life they worshipped also the gods of the sky, earth and sun. Some gods:
(a) Shango - God of Thunder of the Yoruba people                          
(b) Gu – God of Iron of the Dahomey people. 

Africans worshipped their ancestors because they had great reverence for them.

Children had to learn tribal customs because they felt it would please their ancestors. 
Shango Gu
 Video on Mansa Musa  Video on Ancient Mali
 https://www.youtube.com/watc  https://www.youtube.com/watc
h?v=4-Un2xx6Pzo h?v=XKq7GGSTWq4

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