What does this story show about ancient West African culture?
Read the passage from "The Creation of the World: A
Yoruba Myth."
In the beginning, the world was only water. God looked
down at the water from the sky, and decided to create
land. God called his messenger Obatala, and told him
to create land. Obatala was honored to be given such
an important task. He called his helper Oduduwa to tell
him the news. They filled a large pot with soil, and
caught a chicken to take with them. They threw a rope
down to the Earth. They began to climb down. When
they were halfway to Earth, they stopped at a feast.
Obatala ate too much and fell asleep. When Oduduwa
found him asleep, he picked up the soil and the chicken
and continued on the journey. Finally, Oduduwa
reached the Earth He sprinkled the soil over the water.
He let the chicken go. The chicken ran in circles,
ing the soil spread in every direction until there was
anda and the chicken created land from what
kenho
Social hierarchy was the main way in which ancient
West African society was divided.
The religion of Islam was an important part of
ancient West African culture.
O Ancient West African people believed that gods were
responsible for the natural world.
Ancient West African people expected that the world
would come to an end.