How was slavery traditionally practiced in parts of Africa before the 1500s?

Before the 1500s, slavery in parts of Africa was often characterized by local systems that varied widely across regions. Many enslaved individuals were captured during wars or raids and could be integrated into the captor's society, sometimes serving as laborers, servants, or soldiers. Unlike the chattel slavery that later developed in the Americas, many enslaved people in Africa could retain some rights, including the possibility of social mobility or eventual freedom. Additionally, slavery was often linked to debt or punishment rather than being based solely on race.