Folklore

In the pre-colonial times, Sub-Saharan African peoples did not have their written literature (except for Ethiopia and some peoples who embraced Islam very early). Their verbal art is represented by an exceptionally rich oral tradition. There are all kinds of folklore genres for any situation. So, specialists in Jula oral art (Cote-d'Ivoire) have found several dozens of folklore genres.

In the zones of ancient statehood, a special caste of masters of words called the griots appeared. They keep the memories of the powerful rulers and great wars, about alliances between clans and heroic deeds of their ancestors. Epic songs performed by Mande, Fulbe or Songhai griots can be compared with the “Iliad” or “Odyssey”. There exist not only royal epics;hunters and peasants also have their epic songs praising great hunters who miraculously escape conspiracies staged by animals, or about outstanding workers, “heroes of the hoe”.

Each people has its own favorite genres. For example, the Guro people of Côte d'Ivoire excel in funeral songs. The Dogon people of Mali have amazing myths about the origin of the world. And there are popular tales everywhere: about a sly Hair and a stupid Hyena, about the cunning and greedy Spider and a wily Pigmy Antelope. But popular tales cannot be told at will: the time of fairy tales begins after sunset.

The purpose of an African proverb is not just to embellish speech. It is also a weighty argument in a discussion, which often suffices to put an end to the debate. Among the Dan people, for example, it is improper for youngsters to use proverbs while talking to elders, this is considered as an impudence and self-conceit.

Griot playing a ngoni lute.  Mali. The Bamana. E. den Otter. 2005		Performance of jeli casted bards from the Kuyate clan. Kankan, Perekhvalskaya E., 2006		Dweller of the nearby quarters gathered to listen to the famous bards. Kankan, Perekhvalskaya E., 2006