Before contact with Europeans, West Africans were organized in a variety of ways that varied by region and culture. Generally, their organization can be characterized as follows:
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By Clan: Many groups were organized into clans or extended families, which were central to their social structure. These clans often held significant cultural and spiritual importance.
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By Ethnic Groups: West Africa is home to numerous ethnic groups, each with its own customs, languages, and governance systems. For example, the Yoruba, Igbo, Akan, and Hausa were organized according to their distinct ethnic identities.
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By Kingdoms and Empires: Some groups formed larger political entities like kingdoms and empires. Notable examples include the Mali Empire, the Songhai Empire, the Kingdom of Ghana, and the Ashanti Empire. These entities had centralized governance with kings or chiefs who ruled over large territories.
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By City-States: In coastal areas, particularly in what is now Nigeria and Ghana, city-states like Lagos, Benin, and Accra developed as important trade and political centers with their own local rulers.
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By Religion: Religious affiliation also played a role in social organization. Some groups were organized around Islamic or indigenous belief systems, with religious leaders often holding significant power in their communities.
In summary, West Africans were organized in complex ways that included clan structures, ethnic identities, political entities like kingdoms and city-states, and religious affiliations before European contact.