The first men appeared in Africa about 2 million years ago.

Most European and American slaves came from West Africa

Since these were advanced cultures, slaves represented many tribes, priests, princes, warriors, merchants, and nobles.

African people were farmers, herders and traders.

Religion, dance and music were central to life.

Storytellers passed along history, famous tales and poems

Some musical instruments developed by Africans were drums, xylophone, harp, flute, guitar and the zither.

African artists made beautiful masks, statues, and gold jewelry.

They were family-oriented.

Timbucktu had Urban Centers in the 9th Century.