Congo life and folklore

"Congo Life and Folklore" by John H. Weeks is a book that chronicles the author's explorations and understandings of life in the Congo during the early 1900s, blending personal experiences as a missionary with the region’s folklore and traditions. Using the clever literary technique of a brass rod as a storyteller, the book vividly sketches the Congo’s societies, detailing the narrator’s journey from an English factory to the Congolese shores. The reader is introduced to native customs and the economic status of the people, noting the significance of brass rods as money, along with the ingrained superstitions and the effects of European involvement. As such, the book contrasts traditional views with the growing impact of christianity and colonialism, setting the scene for a further look at the difficulties and cultural nuances of life in the Congo.