Daily Life in Ancient Africa

Daily Life in Ancient Africa

Even though the monarchs of ancient Africa are primarily remembered for their enormous wealth, the ordinary person’s everyday existence was very different. In ancient Africa, the common people had to toil hard all their lives and were usually extremely destitute.

Daily Life in Ancient Africa

Types of Homes

The majority of people in ancient Africa resided in thatched homes with walls constructed of straw and clay. These huts typically had one chamber and were round in shape. Stone and wood were frequently used to build the palaces of monarchs and other nobility.

What did they eat?

People in Africa had varied diets, depending on where they lived. The main source of food in each area was a major staple crop. Then, they would add fish, meat, and vegetables that they could hunt or grow in their new area to this harvest. Farmer crops included staples including rice, wheat, yams, and maize.

What did they wear?

The people of ancient Africa didn’t wear many garments because it’s so hot there. They mostly wandered around naked. They occasionally wore tunics or loincloths, though, for formal events and gatherings. People started wearing more clothes in Africa as Islam gained popularity. Common materials included cotton, fur, animal pelts, and in certain places, tree bark was used to make clothes.

Ancient Africans also donned cosmetics and jewelry. Depending on the region, different materials, such as gold, seashells, feathers, and jewels, were used to make jewelry.

Typical Jobs

• Farmers: Most people in ancient Africa were farmers. They spent much of their day working the land, growing crops such as yams, sorghum, barley, and wheat. Some people fished for food or took care of herds of livestock, such as cattle and sheep.
• Traders: Traders played an important role in the economy of ancient Africa. They moved goods across the Sahara Desert using caravans of camels. Some traders became wealthy and held high positions in society.
• Artisans: included blacksmiths, weavers, tailors, jewelers, and tool makers. In some ancient African societies, artisans were thought to have magical powers.
• Warriors: Warriors were important in the large empires of ancient Africa, such as the Mali and the Songhai Empires. Professional warriors kept the peace and maintained power for the emperor. During times of major wars, farmers were required to join the army and help fight.
• Slaves: There were also many slaves in ancient Africa. Slaves were often people captured from enemy tribes during war or were born into slavery. Sometimes criminals were forced into slavery for their punishment.

Facts about the Daily Life in Ancient Africa

• Yams were used in West Africa to make a staple food called “fufu.” Fufu would be rolled into a ball and then dipped into soup for flavor.
• Children were often considered adults at around the age of 12.
• The musicians and storytellers of Africa are called “griots.”
• Girls usually married around 12 or 13 years old. Their fathers chose the husband.
• The farmers of the Mali Empire were part of a respected caste of society called the horonnu. Farmers also fought in the military and participated in the local government.

Read also: Art of Ancient Africa