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The focus in this kit is on kingship and trade. We study the early kingdoms of Ghana and Mali and the vast trading network via camel caravans with the Middle East. Africa produced the gold and traded it for the Arabian salt. The collection of artifact trade items ranges from salt wheels to "gold," to trade beads, mask pendants, cowry shells and bronze weights. Through an emphasis on oral history, the epic hero, Sundiata, the Lion King of Mali, is the main historical and literature piece accompanying this kit. Through a geographical study of Bantu migration students compare their roles and responsibilities with the roles of Kikuyu males and females. For a closer look at religion and ritual the students read "Lansana's Luck" - a West African Diviner Story incorporating the Aku-aba doll from Ghana into their studies. The rock churches of Lalibela were created by a people who trace their Christian heritage back to King Solomon and the Ethiopian Queen of Sheba and thus provide another link to the Middle East and the West. |
