Afro-Asian

Literature
by: Mary Kryss D. Sangle

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 CONNECTING WITH AFRICA

This module invites you to explore the multifaceted facets of

Africa, from its diverse cultures to rich histories. As we navigate
through this unit, we will uncover the threads that bind
communities and delve into the vibrant tapestry of Africa's past,
present, and future. Get ready to immerse yourself in the
rhythms of tradition, the myriad languages, and the captivating
stories that define this extraordinary continent. Join us on a
journey of connection and discovery as we explore the dynamic
intersections that link Africa to the global landscape.
LIFE OF DAVID
ANDERSON
 DAVID ANDERSON/SANKOFA

A founding member of Black Storytelling

League, and Akwaaba: the Heritage
Associates, Sankofa has, since 1981,
shared African American lore with groups in
25 states and Ghana (1993). Through living
history interpretive performance, he
underscores Afro-Rochester as a
significant, continuous noble presence from
1817 to date. He is a Visiting Scholar at
Nazareth College of Rochester.

THE GOLDEN
CHAIN
 The Golden Chain

In a sky realm, Olorun, the supreme being, and

orishas lived near a baobab tree. Though given
the vast sky to explore, most orishas were
content near the tree, adorned in finery.

Obatala, the curious orisha, yearned to use his

powers beyond the baobab tree. Peering
through the mist below the sky, he discovered a
vast empty ocean. Motivated to help beings
there, Obatala asked Olorun to let him create
something solid in the waters, providing an
opportunity for the orishas to utilize their powers
for assistance.
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 The Golden Chain

Impressed by Obatala's initiative, Olorun

allowed him to descend. Seeking guidance from
Orunmila, Obatala learned to prepare a gold
chain and gather essential items, including
sand, palm nuts, maize, and the sacred egg
holding the orishas' personalities.

Obatala gathered gold from fellow orishas,

which the goldsmith turned into a chain.
Realizing the need for a hook, Obatala had the
goldsmith melt a few links to add one to the
chain's end.

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 The Golden Chain

Obatala, following Orunmila's

guidance, descended with a chain
made of Orishas’ gold. Using sand
and baobab powder, he created a
land below. Releasing the spirits
from a sacred egg, they shaped
the terrain, and Obatala named the
land Ife. As he explored, seeds
scattered from his pack turned the
land green in his wake.
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 The Golden Chain

Walking for a long time, Obatala grew

thirsty and stopped at a pond. Seeing
his reflection pleased him, so he
molded clay into the same shape.
Creating many bodies, he became
even thirstier and fermented palm wine
from newly grown palm trees.
Intoxicated, he continued making
forms, some with mistakes. Later, he
regretted the error, vowing not to drink
wine again.
NEXT
 The Golden Chain

Olorun, concerned about Obatala's

creations, sent Chameleon down the golden
chain. Chameleon reported Obatala's
disappointment with lifeless figures. Olorun,
gathering gasses beyond the sky, ignited an
explosion shaped into a fireball. Sent to Ife,
the fireball dried wetlands and baked
Obatala's clay figures, setting the earth to
spinning. Olorun's breath across Ife brought
the figures to life, becoming the first people.
Check your understanding
by selecting the correct
answers to the questions.
Click the button with the
accurate response.
 1. Who among the orishas was not
content to stay near the baobab tree
and wanted to explore the vast sky?

Olorun Obatala

Orunmila Sankofa
2. What did Orunmila advise Obatala
to use to create a solid form in the
waters below?

gold baobab powder

sand palm nuts

 3. What did Obatala create from the
sand in the sky to form the
landscape of Ife?

hills and lowlands rivers and lakes

mountains and valleys deserts and forests

 4. What symbolic significance might
Chameleon hold when dispatched by
Olorun to check on Obatala's progress?

adaptability guardian

wisdom stealth
 5. What moral lesson can be inferred
from Obatala's journey and the creation
of Ife?
The importance of curiosity The value of collaboration and
and exploration unity
The consequences of unchecked The significance of personal sacrifice for
ambition a greater purpose