Notes from 'Africa and Africans in the Making of the Atlantic World'

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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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