Why is West Africa considered a cultural hearth?
Why is West Africa considered a cultural hearth?
In West Africa the basins of the Niger and Senegal Rivers and Lake Chad—along with smaller waterways such as the Faleme, Benue, and Volta Rivers—allowed the development of cultural hearths.
Is West Africa a cultural hearth?
West Africa is a cultural hearth, and its ideas and practices spread to North America and Europe.
What is the culture of West Africa?
West Africa forms the westernmost region of the African continent. People have occupied the area for thousands of years, and its population is ethnically diverse though culturally relatively similar. The beliefs of native cultures include Islam, Christianity and various traditional African religions.
What is an example of a cultural hearth?
A “cultural hearth” is a place of origin for a widespread cultural trend. For example modern “cultural hearths” include New York City, Los Angeles, and London because these cities produce a large amount of cultural exports that are influential throughout much of the modern world.
What is cultural hearth?
A culture hearth is an epicenter of innovation and invention, where new ideas are developed, which then go on to be very influential throughout a larger region. Major ancient culture hearths included: the Nile Valley of Egypt. Mesopotamia of West Asia. the Indus River and Ganges River Valleys of India.
What is West Africa known for?
West Africa is famous for its cultural diversity and rich history. Unique mud architecture and landscapes dominate Niger and Mali’s major sights. Slave forts on Goree Island and along Ghana’s coast attract many visitors.
What’s a cultural hearth?
What is an example of a hearth?
The stone or brick floor of a fireplace, often extending out into the room. The definition of a hearth is a fireplace or the area in front of or surrounding a fireplace. A fireplace and its surrounding area is an example of a hearth.
What is the culture like in the Gambia?
Despite its size, the Gambia has a diverse culture that is an amalgamation of the cultures of the many ethnic groups residing in the country. The Gambia is home to a population of around 2,092,731 individuals.
Where is the Gambia located in West Africa?
.gm. The Gambia (/ˈɡæmbiə/ (listen)), officially the Republic of The Gambia, is a country in West Africa that is almost entirely surrounded by Senegal with the exception of its western coastline along the Atlantic Ocean.
What are the Arts and crafts of the Gambia?
Gambian artists and craftsmen also excel in a number of indigenous arts and crafts like mask-making, pottery, wood carving, basketry, etc. Many of these products are utilized for domestic purposes or used for performing indigenous ceremonies and rituals. The music of the Gambia and that of its neighbor Senegal are quite related.
What is the vegetation cover of the Gambia?
The vegetation cover of The Gambia is savanna on the uplands, various kinds of inland swamp in the low-lying areas, and mangrove swamp along the brackish lower Gambia River. Few wild animals are native to the region, and those that survive are under pressure from the human and domestic animal populations.