Black Tales for White Children

"Black Tales for White Children" by C. H. (Chauncy Hugh) Stigand is an assemblage of Swahili tales penned in the early 1900s. These narratives originate from the vibrant spoken traditions of East Africa's shoreline, mixing Arab and African cultural influences. Frequently the stories incorporate folklore aspects, with didactic intention, alongside imaginative figures like lions, insightful elders, and clever creatures. Beginning sections illuminate the heritage of Swahili narration, highlighting how tales were relayed across generations, usually during nighttime meetings or journeys. Moreover, it sheds light on the complex cultural interactions shaping the tales and how Arab and African folklore make it so rich. The initial story tells of a brave young man who slumbers on an island known for the creatures for monetary compensation. It establishes the tone for a compilation that artfully integrates the adventure alongside important moral lessons.