Final answer:
African-American slaves retained and adapted their African heritage to develop a distinct culture in America, using language, religion, and music to foster community ties and resist the brutality of slavery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristics of material culture most associated with African-American slaves include the creation of a unique African American culture through aspects such as language, religion, music, and craftsmanship. Despite the grueling conditions of slavery, African Americans managed to preserve elements of their African heritage while simultaneously forming new cultural identities. The use of music and dance, particularly spirituals, hymns, and hollers, was significant in navigating and resisting the hardships of slavery and fortifying community bonds.
Skilled enslaved individuals brought with them expertise in agriculture, artisan crafts such as textiles and pottery, and metalwork. They also carried over linguistic skills and a rich tapestry of religious beliefs, including Vodun (Voodoo), which provided psychological support and aided in resistance to enslavement. In places like the Caribbean and the Americas, the melding of African, American, and European cultural forms led to the creation of new cultural expressions like the Kweyol languages (Antillean Creole).
Furthermore, the maintenance of African cultural practices in domestic and communal spaces, such as building styles and religious ceremonies, helped forge strong kinship ties and networks within the African-American slave communities. These cultural elements became a foundation for resistance, resilience, and eventually played a vital role in the abolitionist movement in America.