---

What the Book Explores

“The Oxford Book of African Folktales” is a collection presenting a wide array of traditional stories from across the African continent. These tales encompass a variety of genres – myths, legends, trickster tales, moral fables, and animal stories – reflecting the rich oral traditions of numerous cultures. The collection delves into themes of creation, the relationship between humans and the natural world, the consequences of actions, and the explanations for phenomena observed in daily life. A key aspect is the portrayal of different cultural values, social structures, and belief systems through narrative.

Historical / Cultural Context

Published in 1991, this anthology arose from a growing interest in preserving and understanding African oral literature. Prior to widespread documentation, these tales existed primarily in spoken form, passed down through generations by griots and storytellers. The act of compiling these stories represents an effort to counteract the historical marginalization of African voices and knowledge systems. The book’s publication coincides with a period of increasing postcolonial scholarship focused on reclaiming and celebrating African cultural heritage. It’s important to note that “Africa” is a vast continent, and the stories represent an immense diversity of languages, traditions, and historical experiences. The selections reflect this diversity, but necessarily represent only a fraction of the total wealth of African storytelling.

Who This Book Is For

This collection is suitable for a broad audience, including general readers interested in folklore, mythology, and African culture. It is also a valuable resource for students and scholars in fields such as anthropology, African studies, literature, and comparative mythology. The accessible presentation and the inclusion of introductory notes make it an excellent starting point for exploring the continent’s rich storytelling tradition. No prior knowledge of African cultures is required, though a sensitivity to cultural diversity is beneficial. The book provides insight into the psychological underpinnings of beliefs and the cultural transmission of values.

Further Reading

• Mbiti, John S. *African Religions and Philosophy*. (1969) – Provides a broader context for understanding the philosophical and religious beliefs that underpin many of the folktales.
• Bascom, William *Ifa Divination: Communication between the Gods and Men in West Africa*. (1969) – Offers insights into the religious and symbolic systems that often feature in African narratives.
• Levi-Strauss, Claude *Structural Anthropology*. (1963) – Presents a theoretical framework for analyzing the underlying structures of myths and folktales across cultures.

---