2.2 African Social, Political, and Economic Systems

West African societies had complex social, political, and economic systems. Kinship networks shaped family structures and social hierarchies, while governance ranged from divine kingships to decentralized tribal systems. These structures influenced daily life and decision-making.

Economically, West Africa thrived on long-distance trade, especially the gold-salt exchange across the Sahara. Agriculture and artisanal crafts formed the backbone of local economies. These systems showcased the region's rich cultural diversity and sophisticated organization.

Kinship and Social Organization

Family Lineage and Structure

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• Kinship systems determined social relationships, roles, and responsibilities within West African societies
  • Defined how individuals were related to one another through blood or marriage
  • Governed inheritance, marriage customs, and social obligations
• Matrilineal societies traced ancestry and inherited property through the mother's lineage
  • Children belonged to their mother's clan and lived with their mother's family (Akan people of Ghana)
  • Women held significant power and influence within the family and community
• Patrilineal societies traced ancestry and inherited property through the father's lineage
  • Children belonged to their father's clan and lived with their father's family (Yoruba people of Nigeria)
  • Men held primary authority within the family and controlled economic resources

Social Hierarchy and Governance

• Social hierarchy based on age, gender, and lineage determined an individual's status and role within the community
  • Elders were respected for their wisdom and experience and held decision-making authority
  • Men and women had distinct roles and responsibilities based on gender norms
• Tribal governance systems varied among different West African societies
  • Decentralized systems relied on councils of elders or village chiefs to make decisions (Igbo people of Nigeria)
  • Centralized systems had a hierarchical structure with a paramount chief or king at the top (Asante Kingdom of Ghana)
  • Decision-making often involved consensus-building and consultation with community members

Political Systems

Divine Kingship

• Divine kingship was a common political system in many West African societies
  • Kings were believed to have divine authority and a direct connection to the gods
  • Responsible for maintaining social order, administering justice, and ensuring the well-being of their subjects
• Kings were often surrounded by a court of advisors and officials who assisted in governance
  • Queen mothers, chiefs, and religious leaders played important roles in the political hierarchy
• Succession to the throne was usually determined by lineage, with the king's eldest son or a male relative inheriting the position (Dahomey Kingdom of Benin)

Decentralized Tribal Governance

• Some West African societies had decentralized political systems without a central authority
  • Power was distributed among local chiefs, village elders, or councils
  • Decisions were made through consensus and consultation with community members
• Decentralized systems allowed for greater local autonomy and flexibility in governance
  • Villages or clans could make decisions based on their specific needs and circumstances
• Conflict resolution and maintaining social harmony were important functions of tribal governance
  • Elders or designated mediators helped resolve disputes and maintain peace within the community (Tiv people of Nigeria)

Economic Activities

Long-Distance Trade

• Trans-Saharan trade connected West Africa with North Africa and the Mediterranean world
  • Caravans of camels transported goods across the Sahara Desert
  • Major trade centers included Timbuktu, Gao, and Taghaza
• Gold-salt trade was a significant component of the Trans-Saharan trade network
  • West African kingdoms (Ghana, Mali) exported gold mined from local deposits
  • Salt, a vital commodity for preserving food and human health, was imported from the Sahara
• Other traded goods included ivory, kola nuts, leather, and slaves
  • Spread of Islam and cultural exchange accompanied the trade routes

Agricultural and Artisanal Production

• Subsistence agriculture was the primary economic activity for most West African societies
  • Farmers grew crops such as sorghum, millet, rice, and yams to feed their families and communities
  • Slash-and-burn techniques and crop rotation helped maintain soil fertility
• Artisanal craftsmanship produced a variety of goods for local use and trade
  • Blacksmiths created tools, weapons, and jewelry from iron and other metals (Nok culture of Nigeria)
  • Weavers produced textiles from cotton and other fibers, often incorporating intricate patterns and designs (Kente cloth of the Asante)
  • Potters created ceramic vessels for storage, cooking, and religious purposes (Igbo-Ukwu of Nigeria)