Synopses & Reviews
"These essays... are of immense importance to anyone interested in the issues of origins and folklore texts."
Synopsis
"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.
Synopsis
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.
Synopsis
"These essays... are of immense importance to anyone interested in the issues of origins and folklore texts."
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