Ashanti people
The Ashanti people in West Africa also had their own cross symbol that influenced African Americans interpretation of the Christian cross. African American spirituality was influenced by the culture of the Ashanti people. Baptismal services of African Americans during and after chattel slavery was similar to the Ashanti peoples water immersions in West Africa where African water spirits are called. In African American baptismal services and in West African water immersions both wear white clothing and are taken place at rivers where the water spirits reside. However in Black communities, baptismal services (water immersions) there was a blend of Christian, West African, and Central African influence of the baptismal services of African Americans.