Which Spanish painter was heavily influenced by African art?

Pablo Picasso was influenced by African art heavily during his cubist period. He studied the more simplified style of artists from countries such as Gabon in West Africa because he believed they were right to focus on the idea of an image rather than its actual physical representation. This interest in African art can be seen in one of Picasso's most famous paintings, Les Demoiselles de Avignon, where some of the women in the painting appear to be wearing masks.

Which African ethnic group is believed to have created the first artwork?

The first artwork can be seen on the walls of caves in South and East Africa, created by the San Bushmen.  African American art tends to resemble West African art from the past 3,000 years.

Which of the words that we use today have origins among African ethnic groups?

• Dig - To understand
• Cat - Person
• Teubel detch - Jump (double dutch)
• Front - show off
• Yo - you

In Senegal, the following words a part of the Wolof language, yet also have American meanings.

Which two important features of American music were created by Africans?

Syncopation is any rhythm that puts emphasis on a beat that is not usually emphasized.  Syncopation is the foundation of traditional African music, as well as American music such as jazz, swing, soul and hip-hop.

Call and response is a technique that Griots have used for thousands of years to involve the community in musical ceremonies and stories. A griot is an African praise singer, poet, musician or storyteller. During a performance, the griot would make a particular call, and the listener would respond with an expected answer. When a pastor asks, “Can I get an Amen?” they are practicing call and response.

Where was the first university established?

The first university ever established was founded in Timbuktu, a city located in the present-day country of Mali.

Which African group developed the world’s first system of writing?

It is well known that ancient Egyptians, as well as the Mesopotamians, developed the world’s first system of writing.

What is not commonly known is that many West African groups had systems of writings as well. What European colonists and slave traders mistakenly took for decoration hundreds of years ago has been proven to be several different written languages. Just as hieroglyphics were once mistaken to be decoration, so were the written languages of the N’sididi (Nigeria), Mende (Cameroon) Vai (Liberia) and Bete (Ivory Coast).

Which is the first African country to gain independence?

The first African country to become independent after colonization was Liberia, which became independent in 1847, eight years before American slaves were freed.

 

What percentage of all precious metals is mined in Africa?

Today, 90 percent of all precious metals are mined in Africa. While Africa has rich natural resources, very little of the profits generated ever make it back to African communities.

Which African explorer established African language, religion, and culture in ancient Mexico?

According to the writings of Sahagun, a Spanish Monk, who studied and translated the works of the Maya Indians of Mexico, ancient Africans arrived in Mexico thousands of years ago from the Atlantic region. They were led by a Black African, called Meci, who led a fleet of eight ships. Meci is said to have established African language, religion and culture in Mexico and settled the southern region of Mexico between the Yucatan and Mexico City.

What do Academy Award nominated actress Taraji P. Henson, actress Alfre Woodard, and songstress Roberta Flack have in common?

They each share maternal ancestry with the people of Cameroon.

Which African man is the founder of modern medicine?

Africa produced the first doctor in recorded history, Imhotep.
   
Imhotep, whose titles included Chancellor of the King of Lower Egypt, treated over 200 diseases, performed surgeries, and wrote well-known documents which categorized medical terms nearly 5,000 years ago.

Which African foods are staples in African American kitchens today?

When Africans were being transported to America, some had the foresight to grab a few seeds and hide them in their hair before boarding the ship.  It is for this reason that foods like the watermelon, okra, black-eyed peas, peanuts and yams are seen in America. Africans also invented Gumbo.

Which African country has a tradition of its women being the wage earners in fields such as farming, fishing, herding, and craftsmanship?

Before western women began challenging for equal rights, it had long been a tradition for many Nigerian women to be wage earners in fields such as farming, fishing, herding, and craftsmanship.

Which African nation has a large number of descendants concentrated in South Carolina today?

Which African nation has a large number of descendants concentrated in South Carolina today? 

The 1700’s rice cultivation was the driver of the economy of South Carolina. The rice plantation system was based primarily on the technical knowledge of enslaved Africans from Sierra Leone.

South Carolina is similar in size, geography, and climate to Sierra Leone. Therefore, slave traders took advantage of importing enslaved Africans from the “Grain Coast” and were able to charge higher prices for them.