THE 10 BEST KNOWN AFRICAN TRIBES - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

There are thousands of African tribes, in fact some studies estimate that there are currently more than three million. These figures are due to the fact that African ethnic groups are often divided into other smaller groups. For example, the Ashanti are derived from the Akanes.

Many of these tribes share cultural elements such as language. For example, Chowke and Swahili belong to the Bantu language family. This means that their languages, Wuchowke and Kiswahili, have certain elements in common.

The economy of most of the tribes is based on agriculture and livestock. Some take advantage of agricultural crops to create other more elaborate products. Such is the case with the chowke and katana, who make beer from corn.

Some groups are recognized for their crafts. For example, the Chowke, the Katana, and the Swahili practice wood carving; while the Zulu and the Yoruba are famous for their sculptures.

Top 10 African Tribes

1- Ashanti

The Ashanti live in Ghana, in East Africa. This is a relatively new town that was formed about 50 years ago, when the Akane ethnic group split up.

2- Bakongo

The Bakongo live on the Atlantic coast of Africa, from Pointe-Noire in the Congo to Luanda in Angola.

3- Bemba

The Bemba are found in the northeast of Zambia and are the largest ethnic group in this country.

4- Chowke

The Chowke belong to the Bantu language community. These are famous for making objects used in the royal courts of the African tribes, such as thrones, wooden sculptures, scepters, spears, among others.

The Chowke economy is based on growing yams, cassava, peanuts, tobacco, and corn. The latter is important for beer production.

The Chowke also practice cattle ranching, raising sheep, goats, and pigs. To a lesser extent, they raise poultry as chickens.

5- Katana

The Katana tribe belongs to the Chamba language family. Katana are renowned for working with wood. The most common objects are carved masks and walking sticks.

The economy of the katana is based on agriculture. The most common products are corn, peppers, yams, squash, and cassava.

Corn is one of the most important crops: it is not only the main ingredient in many dishes, but it is also used to make beer.

In recent years, the production and trade of katana beer has boomed.

The religion of the katana is centered on the cult of the Sun, which is the supreme god of this people. They also pay tribute to the dead and people who have not yet been born.

In addition, they believe in the existence of subterranean spirits that are capable of modifying the conditions of ecosystems.

6- Maasai

The Maasai speak the Ol Maa language. The economy of this town is based on livestock. Notably, the Maasai rarely kill their animals. Instead, they accumulate them as symbols of wealth, sell or trade them.

Maasai often travel between cities to buy goods and sell livestock in regional markets.

The religion of the Maasai comprises a series of rituals. For example, when a young man becomes an adult, a cow is slaughtered.

When the warriors leave their youth behind, they participate in rites in which they show their sadness for having left this facet behind.

7- Senufo

The Senufo are an aboriginal tribe that inhabits the Ivory Coast and Mali. They are recognized for being farmers.

8- Swahili

The Swahili are an African tribe belonging to the Bantu language family. They are famous for their ornamental crafts, such as necklaces, bracelets, and hair ornaments. They also practice wood carving.

Since ancient times the economy of the Swahili has been related to the sea. In fact, they were involved in the ivory and slave trade during the 19th century.

With the prohibition of slavery, the Swahili began to practice other activities that were also related to the sea. Today, the economy of this town is based on fishing and the trade in marine products.

The Swahili practice Islam. Many of these use religious objects, such as amulets with verses from the Koran. These elements are intended to drive away evil spirits, called djinn.

9- Yoruba

The Yoruba belong to the Kwa language family. This town is recognized for its sculptures, which they make in honor of their gods and their ancestors.

Since historical times, the economy of the Yoruba people has been based on agriculture, mainly on the sowing of cocoa, yams and cassava. Other minor products are corn, peanuts, beans, and cotton.

70% of the workers work in the fields. 18% work as craftsmen and about 12% carry out commercial tasks among the Yoruba peoples.

The Yoruba believe in more than 400 deities, called orishas. Yoruba beliefs are the basis of Santeria, a Caribbean religion.

An interesting fact is that the Yoruba were one of the peoples most affected by slavery. Many of these were brought to America to work on the plantations as slaves.

10- Zulu

The Zulu speak the Kwazulu language. These are recognized for their work in basketry, sculpture and weaving.

The economy of the Zulu people is based on raising livestock and producing corn and other vegetables. However, most of the agricultural production is for the family's consumption.

In Zulu society, tasks are divided between men and women. While the men are in charge of the livestock, the women are in charge of the agricultural work. Women are also in charge of taking care of household affairs.

As for religion, the Zulu believe in the creator god Nkulunkulu. The people establish contact with this god through the Ama Dlozi or ancestors.

The Zulu also believe in the existence of spirits that are the cause of all negative events that happen in life, including death.

References

1. African Tribe List. Retrieved on November 25, 2017, from interesting-africa-facts.com
2. African Tribes. Retrieved on November 25, 2017, from africaguide.com
3. African Tribes. Retrieved on November 25, 2017, from gateway.com
4. Chowke Tribe. Retrieved on November 25, 2017, from gateway.com
5. Katana Tribe. Retrieved on November 25, 2017, from gateway.com
6. Maasai Tribe of East Africa. Retrieved on November 25, 2017, from gateway.com
7. Swahili Tribe of Africa. Retrieved on November 25, 2017, from gateway.com
8. Top 10 Most Famous African Tribes. Retrieved on November 25, 2017, from answersafrica.com
9. Tribes of Africa. Retrieved on November 25, 2017, from audleytravel.com
10. Yoruba Tribe of West Africa. Retrieved on November 25, 2017, from gateway.com
11. Zulu Tribe of South Africa. Retrieved on November 25, 2017, from gateway.com