UNIT 4- The Akan people EOY Flashcards
Who were the Akan people?
A major empire of West Afica in the late 15th century. They did not all live in the same place, there were over 30 kingdoms. They each had their own ruler and army.
How were the different kingdoms united?
They were each united by a similar language, culture and family links.
What is important to the Akan people?
Family relationships were hugely important in the Akan society.
What was important about the Akan stools?
Once a baby learned to crawl they received an intricately designed block of wood. Each kingdom’s ruler had their own stool that symbolized both their power and their love and respect for their mothers.
How are Akan children traditionally named?
They were named based on the day of the week they were born on. If a boy was born on a Tuesday (in their language Benada) then they might be named Kobla or Kwabena. If they were a girl then they might be named Abla or Abena.
How did the Portuguese trade with the Akan before they went to the Gold Coast?
Muslim Merchants would bring it across the Sahara Desert and trade with the Europeans.
When the Portuguese first came to the Gold Coast what did they trade?
cloth, metal and wine in exchange for Akan gold
In 1482, what did the Portuguese want to do?
they wanted to build a fortress in Elmina in the kingdom of Eguafo to store goods.
