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

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…