Der Band entstand aus einer Kooperation von Erzählforschenden aus Benin, Ghana und Deutschland. Die Beiträge in deutscher und englischer Sprache beschäftigen sich mit Ananse, dem Spinnenmann, der zentralen Gestalt der westafrikanischen Erzähltradition sowie mit anderen Phänomenen der narrativen Kulturen in Afrika: Dabei werten sie schriftliches Material aus, präsentieren Quellen aus eigener Feldforschung, berichten über Projekte, bei denen mediale Umsetzungen von oralen Überlieferungen erprobt wurden: Rollenspiel und Theater in einer dörflichen Kommunität, zeichnerische Gestaltungen von Jugendlichen in einem städtischen Slum. Besondere Bedeutung kommt dem Film zu. Eine DVD mit Beispielen für die performative Transformation als Spielfilm ist beigefügt.

In the `Decade of Healthy Ageing’ (UN/WHO), this collection of essays contains interdisciplinary contributions by authors from African and European cultures who address questions about the situation of old people in the past and present, comparing the situation of men and women and focussing on their protection and care within society. While at first glance it appears that the phenomena in the `young’ African countries are completely different from those in European countries, there is a certain convergence between the continents. The challenges of migration, globalisation and the climate crisis are triggering social transformation processes that are weakening older traditions. The focus is on the dissolution of the extended family and the associated loss of the stabilising function within the framework of the so-called intergenerational contract. This development triggers crises. However, new models for organising old age are also developing. Old people are finding new ways to organise their lives.

Bru Nansi’s Revival is a treat! The plot mixes past and present class conflicts into satirical entertainment for all ages. Chunky human and animal role reversal imagery reveals the cancel culture spirit of unity that stops the old imperialism and jump-starts a new kinder kingdom. Within the backdrop of historical references and benchmarks, this cultural tale mixes church and state traditions to recreate a lifestyle drama set in a 1700s colonial neighborhood. In this community, the natives become multilingual to communicate with the conquistadores. So, the texts present a treasure trove of multilingual words that capture the ambience of the era. Bru Nansi’s Revival is retold in African and European languages that are relevant to the setting.

"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 folklore—his intention was to demonstrate the African roots of African American folktales.