Islamic Spreads
The Islamic beliefs and traditions traveled over to West Africa. It was modernized and changed. The African's had no way of speaking so they adopted the Arabic language.
Islamic Achievements
The Muslim's made many contributions to the modern world. They introduced Astronomy, Polo, Chess, Zoology, and Irrigation and Under Water Wells.
In astronomy Muslims observe objects in the universe and star constolations. They could figure out what direction the holy city of Makkah using compasses and astrolabes so that people could pray in the right direction during Ramadan. They could also measure how long the month of Ramadan was exactly and when it was supposed to be.
In astronomy Muslims observe objects in the universe and star constellations . They could figure out what direction the holy city of Makkah using compasses and astrolabes so that people could pray in the right direction during Ramadan. They could also measure how long the month of Ramadan was exactly and when it was supposed to be. This origionated on the Arabian Peninsula.
Polo
Muslims learned the game of Polo from the Persians. In this game teams on horse back hit a ball with a mallet into a goal to score a point. Polo quickly became a popular game in the wealthy class. It was nicknamed the Game of Kings. Muslims adapted and redefined the game of polo and it is still played and enjoyed many all over the world.
The game of Chess was probably invented in India.It became very popular in all ranges of social class. Many tournaments were held by Caliphs so they could see who was the best chess player. Women and slaves were invited to take their part in this event. Chess is a complex game of wins where players move pieces around according to a series of sophisticated rules. Each person commands a small army of pieces in which one is a king. The goal of the game is to checkmate the opponents king to win the match. Muslims adapted and improved this game just like Polo.
Zoology Many Muslim scholars became interested in Zoology just because of their sheer curiosity. Muslims wrote books on the structure of the animal body. Other scholars made books about how to make medicines or vaccines from animals. A man named al-Jahiz made the first theories about the process of animal evolution. Muslims also established the first zoos where exotic animals were displayed. This origionated on the Arabian Penninsula.
Irrigation and Under Water Wells Muslims had advanced technology that allowed them to utalize the scarce water in some areas. Much of the land under the Muslim rule was dry and hot. Muslims were able to restore old irrigation systems new again and designed new ones. They built aquaducts and dams to provide water for nearby houses, mills, and fields. They were able to improve existingsystems of canals and underwater canals. Some wells reached 50 feet under ground that were used to bring fresh water. Water wheels were used to get water from reservoirs and canals. This origionated on the Arabian Pennisnula.
Muslim Trade Routes
Most trade routes were established in the Arabian Penninsula.
African history
Africans passed on their history oraly. They would tell stories to their children and to other people so that their traditions and legacies may live on for many centuries. Muslims gave them a way to speak so they could speak and share these stories. They also gave the Africans a way to write so they could keep track of the stories and they would never be forgotten.
Sculptures
West Africans used sculptures a physical idols and to help them in aspects of everyday life. The nok culture made sculptures of humans called Terra-Cottas. The Yurubba people made Terra-Cottas also. Later in history they used copper and bronze to make them. Benin artists made sculptures in honor of royal courts. By the 16th century they were making extravigant plaques the displayed the king's force and authority over his people.
Masks
Masks have played a great role in Africa's history for centuries. Masks were worn during ceremonies, in performences, and for sacred rites. Masks were almost a part of ever aspect of life in Africa. Like using sculptures they were believed to bring the spirits of God and ancestors back. West African were usually detailed and expressive.
Dance
Dancing was a part of African life just as much as singing and drumming were. West Africans performed dances for many different occasions. They dance at ceremonies, success at work, and at important days in peoples life. Dancing was also believed to help get in touch with spirits and dead ancestors. How people dance depends on the type of environment they live in. Some dancers were elaborate masks that resemble spirits from the Wast African religion.
Drumming
Drum players are important roles in west African culture. Drummers played during ceremonies, parties, funerals, and weddings. The drums are made out of hollowed out logs or wood and are wrapped in animal skin. There are many different kinds of drums varying in sizes. There are bells and rattles too. Singing, dancing, and drumming happen in a circular formation when performed. West African slaves brought there drumming traditions to America. Over time there drum styles developed and changed.
