Short description
This collection of African folktales charts the story of African tribal life since the time of the Phoenicians. Through these stories, the author seeks to reconstruct the past of the Bantu of Africa and to show how intertribal friendship or hatred was kept alive.
Review
First published in 1964, Indaba, My Children was internationally acclaimed for its wonderful collection of tales and legends charting the story of African tribal life. Recognizing that the tales he had learned from the elders gave direction to his life, as well as motivating him to further his knowledge of his people's history, Credo Mutwa was also embarking on a far more ambitious project when he compiled this volume. By revealing so much of his country's traditions to a white audience he was breaking tribal law, but he believed passionately that a deeper understanding of African culture would prevent much of the racial disharmony of our times. By drawing on the ancient art of storytelling to preserve and promote the past, Mutwa sends the reader on a superbly uplifting journey through the tales and legends of Africa. This is a truly enriching and fascinating read. (Kirkus UK)