Epic Traditions of Africa

This lively and informative volume will inspire an appreciation for the distinctive qualities of this uniquely African form of verbal art.

List of contents

Preface

Introduction

1. Elements of Epic Traditions

2. The Epics of Central Africa

3. Hunters' Traditions and Epics

4. Traditions of the Soninke

5. Sunjata and the Traditions of the Manden

6. Segou and the Bamana

7. Traditions of the Fula

8. Emergent Traditions

9. Conclusion

Appendix: Tables of Epic Material

Notes

Glossary

References

Index

About the author

Stephen BelcheR is co-editor (with John William Johnson and Thomas A. Hale) of Oral Epics from Africa: Vibrant Voices from a Vast Continent.

Summary

Presents material from diverse African oral epic traditions. This book explores the rich past and poetic force of African epics and places them in historical and social, as well as artistic contexts. It offers colourful narratives from Central and West African traditions along with texts that are more widely available to Western readers.

Product details

• Authors: Stephen Belcher
• Publisher: Indiana University Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 01.10.1999
• EAN: 9780253212818
• ISBN: 978-0-253-21281-8
• No. of pages: 302
• Dimensions: 156 mm x 234 mm x 17 mm
• Weight: 490 g
• Series: Indiana University Press (IPS)
• Subjects: Guides > Spirituality > Ancient knowledge, ancient cultures; Humanities, art, music > Linguistics and literary studies > Other languages / Other literatures; Social sciences, law, business > Ethnology > Folklore