What was the primary way slaves were acquired in Central Africa?

The primary way slaves were acquired in Central Africa was through being captured in war or as a result of criminal activities. This method of acquisition reflects the socio-political dynamics of the region, where conflicts between different groups often resulted in captives who were then sold or traded into slavery. War was a significant source of slaves, as conquering groups would often take individuals from defeated tribes to use them for labor or to sell to traders.

This practice aligns with historical accounts that illustrate how conflict and the dynamics of power played crucial roles in the expansion of the slave trade in Central Africa. As societies engaged in warfare, it created a cycle where captives were taken and subsequently exploited for labor, contributing to the broader transatlantic slave trade.

While the other options present possible methods of acquiring slaves, they do not capture the primary mechanism as effectively as the impact of warfare and criminal capture. For instance, while purchasing slaves from neighboring tribes or selling family members were practices seen in various cultures, the harsh realities of warfare predominantly dictated the slave supply in Central Africa during this period. Additionally, the agreements with European traders facilitated the trade process but were not the original means of acquiring the slaves themselves.