Those who were enslaved created stories, riddles, jokes and songs to communicate, to send messages, to teach and record history. The Griot was the primary storyteller in the homeland and the drum was used as a means of communication. Storytelling then became a natural progression as people began to teach the very young.
The first short stories were written down in Egypt over 4000 years ago.
Storytellers are used in every culture to:
• shape tradition
• record history
• entertain and teach
In some cultures, storytelling is used to explain why things are. In primitive cultures stories were recorded with cave paintings.
Names for Storytellers vary from culture to culture. Some of the names are:
• Bard – Welsh
• Cuentista (Mexican/Mexican American Spanish)
• Shaman
• Keeper of the Stories
• Griot – African historian, teller of tribal histories
• Troubador – Europe
• Trouveres – French
• Minstrel
• Yarnspinner
Modern day storytellers include:
• Writers
• Animators
• Filmakers
Stories may be similar in many cultures, often using different characters. Gnomes and Elves are often used in European folktales, while animals may be used in African folktales. Often the animals will be given human characteristics so as not offend individuals who might identify themselves in the story.
As Keepers of the Culture it is important that each of us passes on knowledge and wisdom that we have received.
