By Luana M. Graves Sellars
The art of storytelling is a tradition that stems from West Africa and how the culture was preserved and passed down through the generations. Stories were used by the Griot, who was known as the local keeper of stories and wisdom. The Griot or storyteller, used sharing them to not only entertain, but was an important way that oral tradition was used to communicate and educate. Stories always have a moral center, as well as a purpose. They were designed to be a demonstration of how one could use the power of the mind in most cases over the need for brawn. They were also reminders of ways to show resistance and share the importance of cultural values and wisdom.
The children’s fable and character, Br’re Rabbit came out of the stories and passed down series of folktales and proverbs that are based in African tradition.
Br’re or Brer in the Gullah Geechee language is a shortened version of the word brother. The character was depicted as a trickster who liked to play jokes, yet used his intellect, not strength to get him out of various situations or troubles with people in authority.
Another character that was popular in folklore was a spider called Anansi the Spider which also came out of Ghanaian West African folklore and the Ashanti people. The word, Anansesem, literally means “spider tales”.
Anansi the Spider was known for being a very clever and cunning trickster. The stories that were told about Anansi and characters symbolized wisdom, creativity, endurance, resourcefulness, and survival.
The concept of imaginary animals delivering positive and informative storylines are believed to be the origins of the popular characters Bugs Bunny and Charlotte’s Web.
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