Notes from 'Africa and Africans in the Making of the Atlantic World'
- Created by: louisemeller
- Created on: 24-05-17 23:19
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Notes from John Thornton, 'Africa and Africans in the Making of the Atlantic World'
= Points of focus in W.A. religion
- West Central Africa= culturally similar to W.A. in language and world outlook
- Romantic school of history- Europeans undertook exploration to break Muslim stronghold on eastern trade (as well as joy of it)
- Centuries-long struggle between Muslims and Christians for control of Mediterranean. Wish to defeat N.A. Muslims- economic considerations secondary
- Ramon Llull (Mallorcan theologian)- dreamed of converting Ghanan king to Christianity= hinterland in Muslim N.A.
- Modern scholars less convinced by military/religious geopolitical schemes- more economic?
- W.C.A.= diverse- around 50 languages (but language not sole mediator of culture)
- 3 culturally distinct zones (and 7 subzones)
- 1) Upper Guinea
- 2) Lower Guinea
- 3) Angola Coast
1) Upper Guinea
- Most linguistically diverse
- United by trade via rivers/coasts- commercially linked
- Cultural sharing and multilingualism= common
- Commerce resulted in spread of religion- Islam? Muslims shared philosophical concepts and accepted local worldviews
2) Lower Guinea
- More homogeneous linguistically- Kiva language (and variants)
- Good transportation networks= close economic/cultural contact between linguistically diverse peoples
- Water transport is key= gap in waterways between Volta and Allada= significant internal division
- Commercial interractions= cultural intercommunication
3) Angola Coast
- Even less pronounced…
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