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Slave Trade In Africa

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Contrary to popular beliefs, Africans encountered Europeans years before the slave trade. The early relationship between Africa and Europe was more of a business partnership. Africa was able to discover themselves by adopting cultural traditions and then adapting them to their own. Certain stigmas give power to Europe as it takes away Africa’s agency. To claim Africa as a victim is one stigma that robs Africa of its agency giving more power to the other side. Trade, religion, and the concept of different but equal all contribute to the broader knowledge of Africa’s agency through history. Africa’s early encounters of trade was significant in gaining wealth along with ideas, religions, and education. According to the video Caravans of Gold, Mansa Musa is said to be the most power king of Ancient Mali dating from 1312. During this time, Mansa Musa traded gold and salt that led to Mali’s success.. Along with gold and salt, trading routes consisted of ideas, religion and knowledge. Early trade between Africa and Europe consisted of Africa being in control of her own trade and using that to reinforce power by adapting and adopting goods. Another important item that was traded is textiles. According to David Northrup in Africa’s Discovery of Europe, clothing in Africa served three purposes: warmth, display and modesty. (87) Clothing was a display of power and wealth so the more clothing one wore and owned, the wealthier one is. This display of clothing contributes to how

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