The Origin of Life on Earth: An African Creation Myth - Softcover

Anderson, David A.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1886366098 ISBN 13: 9781886366091

Publisher: Sights Production, 1996

Synopsis

Retells the Yoruba creation myth in which the deity Obatala descends from the sky to create the world

About this title

About the Author

David A. Anderson/Sankofa, author of the national award winning, The Origin Of Life On Earth, is a sought-after storyteller who travels the world sharing his wisdom and stories with all people. Dr. Anderson holds a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Union Institute, Cincinnati. He teaches Humanities at two Rochester area colleges. He is a performing artist with the Columbus, Ohio Artists-in-Schools program and the Young Audiences Rochester, and has appeared on Public Radio. he lives in Rochester, NY where he and his wife Ruth, have raised three fine children.

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-6-- This Yeruba creation myth begins in the heavenly court of the all-powerful and his agents, male and female orishas. All the orishas are content, save one named Obtala, whose wondering impels him to employ his power in some meaningful way. He prepares thoughtfully for this work, aided by his fellow orishas, and descends from heaven on a golden chain. He takes soil that has been sown with the personality of the orishas and forms humans in his own image,``carefully and lovingly,'' so that the resulting creatures (even the imperfect ones) are ``beautiful to behold.'' The all-powerful then brings them to life and sets the earth spinning, completing this noble, reverent, and positive tale. In the colorful illustrations, glowing with hot yellow and sapphire, ebony silhouettes are effectively set off by elegant, vibrantly patterned clothing and gold ornaments. The bright backgrounds recall batiked African textiles. This story's themes of determination, effort, generosity, and the sacredness of life, as well as the attractive art, extend its appeal beyond myth, religion, or ethic collections. --Patricia Dooley, Univ . of Washington, Seattle
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Sights Production
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 1886366098
• ISBN 13: 9781886366091
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Wilson Kathleen Atkins