African Concepts and Wisdom Embedded in Bassa Narrative Tradition

About the Book

This book simply collects, from far and near, Bassa concepts and wisdom embedded in Bassa narrative tradition and handed down to the generations. The stories, parables, and proverbs are used, when necessary, in ordinary conversations and in formal discussions, such as settlement of disputes or in the church. The spirit and purpose of the parables and proverbs help sustain and maintain the Bassa culture and provide a basis for Bassa people’s continuous survival. Many Bassa people living today are not aware of these elements of wisdom that their people have, and it is important for them to know the wisdom tradition of their parents and those who came before. The purpose of this book is to inform people about the Bassa people in Liberia and the wisdom tradition that keeps them culturally intact. The purpose of the book is not simply to pass on information that has been handed down over generations, but to further encourage Liberians and particularly Bassa people, to learn about themselves, know their roots, which is not limited to Christian influence alone, and appreciate who they are as they uphold who they are. I am not the original composer of these proverbs. Rather, they have been handed down from one generation to the next. In this case, what I am doing is following the tradition of our people—passing on knowledge and helping our people know who they are.

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