West African Folk-Tales

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

—

Title

West African Folk-Tales

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

A captivating collection of traditional stories drawn from the folklore of the Gold Coast peoples, this book offers a glimpse into West African culture through tales of Anansi the spider, trickster heroes, and origin myths. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century colonial transformation, the narratives explore themes of wisdom, greed, and the clash between tradition and modernity, inviting readers into the vibrant oral traditions of the region.

Summary up to 500 words

Compiled by W. H. Barker and Cecilia Sinclair, *West African Folk-Tales* presents a rich collection of narratives from the Gold Coast, originally published in 1917. The introduction contextualizes these stories within the era's shifting economic and social landscape, noting how European influence and missionary activity were altering local customs and mythology. The authors aim to preserve the 'back of the black man's mind' before it is entirely transformed by civilization, offering a window into the thought processes and daily lives of West African communities. The collection features the legendary spider Anansi, who frequently outwits gods and humans alike in stories explaining natural phenomena, such as the moon's light or the leopard's hunting habits. Other tales include the humorous 'Honourable Minū,' where a traveler misunderstands a common phrase as the name of a wealthy man, accumulating an imaginary fortune before realizing the deceased owner was merely a poor individual. The heroic narrative 'Why The Moon And The Stars Receive Their Light From The Sun' details how Anansi's son, Kweku Tsin, escapes a dragon to become the sun, while his father becomes the moon. Another story, 'Ohia And The Thieving Deer,' illustrates perseverance and wit against a riddle-loving chief. The book also includes origin stories for mushrooms and fairies, blending humor, moral lessons, and cultural history. The authors collected these tales from native students who remembered the traditions before the full force of 'civilizing' forces had taken hold. By collating various versions of the same story, they sought to eradicate outside influences and recent modifications. The volume explores the similarities and differences between coastal and hinterland folk-lore, suggesting that while the stories are substantially the same, environmental factors and new surroundings often dictate specific variations. Through these narratives, the book captures the atmosphere of a native village evening, where elders recount traditions handed down from 'before-time,' preserving a unique cultural heritage amidst rapid change.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.globalgreyebooks.com/ebooks/w-h-barker_cecilia-sinclair_west-african-folk-tales.epub

Local file path

data/epubs/url-7f16ea4a977e5147.epub

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Categories

• Folklore
• Mythology