Storytelling is an important art form that humans have practiced for as long as people have known how to communicate. For many cultures around the world, storytelling is very important because it is a way to preserve traditions and history. In every culture, the methods and stories are different, but they serve the same purposes. Stories can be used to pass down religious beliefs. Many traditional storytellers talk about the origins of the Earth and the beginning of man. Through stories, people pass on these beliefs and lessons. Storytelling also helps to preserve cultures, to keep them alive. By passing down, or retelling stories, people have a connection with their past and their ancestors. Continuing these stories keeps the culture alive. Stories are entertaining. A great storyteller knows how to weave together amazing tales, and nothing can brighten a day like a beautiful story. Here is some information about different cultures and their storytelling traditions.
India
Storytelling in India is usually formal. There are many different forms of expressing these stories, but they are all very ritualistic. Very specific steps must be followed to tell a story. Also, the stories are usually religious in nature. One example of a traditional style is Pandvani. In this style, a singer has a stringed instrument called a Tambura and recites episodes of classic Indian epic poems. It is a mix of poetry and music. Often the singer is backed by four other musicians, who may ask questions to move the story along. Another traditional Indian method is called Par or Pard or Pata. Beautiful pictures are painted or embroidered (sewn) onto cloth tapestries. Usually the stories focus on a traditional hero.
Ghana
The storytellers in ancient Ghana, now most of West Africa, were called Griots. Their kind of storytelling was very community based. Often the entire tribe or village would surround the fire to listen to the Griots or Griottes tell their stories. In ancient Africa, there was no written history. Instead, the Griots kept the history. Each tribe had one, and they passed on the legends, family histories, tribal histories and traditional songs for years. These people are highly respected as wise and powerful. Besides keeping histories, they can also sing special songs to bless people, to praise people and even to name babies. In return for their songs, people give them gifts. The job of the Griot is inherited, passed down from parent to child, and is a very important position in the tribe. Without the Griot, the past would be lost.
For more information on storytelling, visit the following sites: www.timsheppard.co.uk/story/dir/traditions/asiamiddleeast.html, http://africa.mrdonn.org/griots.html
