Folktales from the Moose of Burkina Faso

written and edited respectively by Alain-Joseph Sissao and Nina Tanti

The Moogo, the region of the Moose known as Mossi in ancient literature occupies the entire central zone of Burkina Faso. It is divided into several kingdoms, the principal one comprising today’s capital of Ouagadougou. Along with the singing griots, the evening storytellers pass on the ancestral word during the evening gatherings where they provide the group with models to follow.

The folktale is the most appropriate form for teaching young children to express themselves, to structure their thoughts, and to reason. The tales portraying familiar animals will be reserved for the group of youngest children. The legendary gluttony and foolishness of Mba-KatrÈ, the hyena, in contrast with the cunning and finesse of Mba-So‚mba, the hare, will interest above all children from 10 to 12 years of age. The stories describing the origin of things, the reason for various social taboos, the legitimacy of social functions and structures, as well character flaws that need correcting, are reserved as a priority for adolescents.

Alain-Joseph Sissao

Alain-Joseph Sissao was born in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. He is a researcher at the Institute for Social Sciences at the National Scientific Research Center in Ouagadougou. He studies both the oral and written literature of his country and is engaged in several research projects on burkinabè culture.

Nina Tanti