African Folktales in the Ne World [Paperback]

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 folklorehis intention was to demonstrate the African roots of African American folktales.

Foreword by Alan Dundes
Acknowledgments
Preface

ONE Obas 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 Birds Head (Leg) under Its Wing
FIVE Inside Cows (Elephants) Belly
SIX Deers Hoof and Ear; Dog and Dog Head
SEVEN Holding the Rock
EIGHT Taught an Icriminating Song (Saying)
NINE Moon Splits Hares 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

WILLIAM BASCOM (19121981) 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.