African Folktales in the New World

by William W. Bascom

Overview

"These essays . . . are of immense importance to anyone interested in the issues of origins and folklore texts." —Choice

" . . . this is Bascom at his best. . . . an attractive and full-bodied book." —Fabula

These essays, devoted to traditional narratives found in Africa and in the New World, represent the last major research project of William Bascom (1912-1981), eminent authority on African art and folklore—his intention was to demonstrate the African roots of African American folktales.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780253207364
Publisher:	Indiana University Press
Publication date:	11/22/1992
Series:	Folkloristics
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	6.25(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

WILLIAM BASCOM (1912–1981) was Professor of Anthropology and Director of the Robert L. Lowie Museum of Anthropology at the University of California, Berkeley. The author of Ifa Divination and Sixteen Cowries, he co-authored Continuity and Change in African Cultures and A Handbook of West African Art.

Table of Contents

Foreword by Alan Dundes
Acknowledgments
Preface

ONE Oba's Ear: A Yoruba Myth in Cuba and Brazil
TWO The Talking Skull Refuses to Talk
THREE Trickster Seeks Endowments; Measuring the Snake: Challenging Birds (Insects) to Fill a Container; Milking a Cow (Deer) Stuck in a Tree
FOUR Bird's Head (Leg) under Its Wing
FIVE Inside Cow's (Elephant's) Belly
SIX Deer's Hoof and Ear; Dog and Dog Head
SEVEN Holding the Rock
EIGHT Taught an Icriminating Song (Saying)
NINE Moon Splits Hare's Lip (Nose)
TEN Dogs Rescue Master in Tree Refuge
ELEVEN Agreement to Sell Mothers; Agreement to Kill Mothers; Cutta Cord-La!
TWELVE Knock Dust (Water) Out of Rock; Waiting on the Lord
THIRTEEN Birds' Fasting (Singing) Contest
FOURTEEN Diving Contest