Paige's+African+Exhibit

Prior to the 1800’s, before the colonial reign began, many diverse African societies emerged. These six societies spread out among Africa’s diverse geographical features and rarely mingled. The first society relied on hunting and gathering to survive. The second group followed the cattle herding lifestyle. These nomads traveled the savanna, where no deadly tsetse flies could harm their cattle. A society of forest dwellers settled in small communities, each one located a distance from the others, so as not to deplete the soil. The fishing community was another pre-colonial society. The fishermen caught their meals with nets. The fish, abundant in protein, were traded for items produced by other societies. The grain producing society settled on the African plateaus. Grain farmers used the “slash and burn” method to clear the land. Then, they grew millet, cassava, corn, sorghum, and rice. The last African society was the urban society. Today, the six historic societies have collided with one another. Urban areas are hastily developing as new communities are being established. However, 60% of African citizens remain in the provincial sites. Three primary religions in Africa strongly influence African society. Traditional African religions still exist, along with Islam and Christianity. Christianity was especially important in ancient Ethiopia. Because they had no contact with other Christian churches, the Ethiopians developed their own form of Christianity. For example, churches were carved into rock underground. Currently, 45% of African citizens are followers of Christianity. Another important aspect of African society is art. African art mimics art of Islamic and Middle Eastern cultures. However, there were different fields of art. Some artists crafted works that could be used by people. These artists include weavers, tailors, and seamstresses. Another area of art includes court art. This art was crafted at the royal kingdom courts. Famous examples of court art include valuable sculptures of terra cotta and bronze, originating from the ancient cities of Ile-Ife and Benin. Although Africa has a rich history, religion, and beautiful works of art, it faces a major public health crisis: HIV virus. Approximately 12 million orphans in Africa lost their parents due to AIDS or other similar diseases. Take 12-year-old orphan Nancy Lema for example. Nancy’s parents were both victims of AIDS. She described the insecurity that comes with having no adult to speak with during sad or rough times. “It was a hard time to live through this nightmare… a teacher would be teaching our class, and I would be dropping tears. Just imagine you reach a point where you have nobody to turn to (4).” The HIV virus claims lives and leaves the survivors devastated. ** Artifact **
 * African Society **

The photo above showcases one of the eight similar Plaques with Multiple Figures. These 19- inch copper plaques were created during the mid 16th-17th century in the ancient African city of Benin. The plaques feature kings, warriors, chiefs and courtiers. The ancient artifact demonstrates life in ancient Benin. ** Current Public Health Crisis in Africa! ** [] Throughout Africa, but especially in South Africa, people are struggling with AIDS. 5.3 million South Africans have contracted the disease. One reason the HIV virus spreads so quickly is because poverty; people cannot afford the expensive medicines to attend to the HIV virus. The people also suffer from lack of awareness; they lack education about how the disease spreads, and how to prevent it. However, African citizens are sending hope to HIV victims. Zackie Achmat, who also has AIDS, originally became famous in South Africa when he protested for civil rights. When he took a stand in the HIV debate, his popularity doubled. He refused to take HIV medicine, since the poor could not afford it. Eventually the HIV medicine prices lowered and became easier to afford. The Doctors without Borders also provide hope for the victims by organizing three HIV clinics. Those who are extremely sick are given antiretrovirals, medicine that fights the HIV virus by improving the immune system. ** Works Cited ** 1. "Africa." //SIRS Discoverer//. Encyclopedia Britannica, 2006. Web. 24 Mar. 2011. 2. McClure, Laura. "South Africa's Struggle with AIDS." //SIRS Discoverer//. Weekly Reader Corporation, 11 Feb. 2005. Web. 24 Mar. 2011. 3. //Plaque with Multiple Figures//. Photograph. National Museum of African Art. 4. "What If You Lived in Africa?" //SIRS Discoverer//. Scholastic Inc, 15 Oct. 2007. Web. 24 Mar. 2011.