[Lee Jong-gil's Autumn Return] African Culture Through Senegalese Folktales

Bira and DIOFF's 'The Old Story of Amadou Koumba'

‘The Trial of the Rabbit’ is a folktale about a tiger who forgets kindness and is cleverly punished. The tiger, who had fallen into a trap, tries to attack the person who saved him. A cow and a fox, who dislike humans, side with the tiger. The rabbit suggests reenacting the incident. The tiger falls into the trap again, and the rabbit has the person close the trap door.

In Senegal, Africa, there is a similar folktale called ‘The Reward of Good Deeds.’ A crocodile hears that people are draining the swamp water and flees to the land. The crocodile asks a child who came to gather firewood to take him to the river. The child ties the crocodile’s body with a mat and kudzu vines, carries it on his head, and heads to the river. Once the crocodile reaches deep water, it grabs the child’s arm.

"I won’t let go. I’ve been starving for two days and am about to die of hunger." "Does it make sense to repay kindness with enmity?" "Kindness is originally repaid with enmity, not kindness." "Then let’s ask others what they say!" "Fine! But if three agree with me, I will eat you. Just wait and see!"

A cow and a horse, who dislike humans, side with the crocodile. The rabbit says it’s impossible that a small child carried the crocodile. So, the rabbit suggests reenacting the situation. When the child comes ashore and lifts the crocodile again, the rabbit smiles and says,

"Go straight home carrying the load. Then your parents, relatives, and neighbors will thank you. Because they can all share it. Those who don’t know kindness must be repaid in this way."

This folktale, like ‘The Trial of the Rabbit,’ ends with the tragic fate of animals caught in self-centeredness. The rabbit is portrayed as a wise animal representing humans. Although just a powerless herbivore, it uses wisdom to oppose carnivores in unjust situations. If the rabbit is seen as the public and the animals who forget kindness as exploiters, both folktales can be interpreted as victories of the people. They reflect the hope that the weak can overcome the strong even under oppression.

In reality, conflicts among tribes in Senegal were incessant. After repeated unification and division, it was under French rule for about 100 years from 1859. The Wolof people, who make up 45% of the population, are mostly Sunni Muslims. However, even now, on the outskirts of Dakar, shamans drive away evil spirits in every village. They believe in spirits of good and evil. When darkness falls, storytelling sessions are held for children.

‘Old Stories of Amadou Kumba,’ written by Senegalese author Birago Diop, guides readers with a storytelling flourish. Amadou Kumba, who introduces nineteen folktales, is a Griot who actually remembers and recites the tribe’s history and traditions. He tells stories of wisdom to the sound of a traditional instrument made from a calabash. Just like our grandmothers used to tell traditional tales, he remembers and recites the tribe’s history and traditions.

Every story has a unique identity and worldview built over many years. Some parts may be hard to resonate with us. But there is no shortage of glimpses into the richness of African and Islamic cultures. It is a cultural treasury told in their own way.