The Ancient World (HUM 124 - UNC Asheville)/The Chameleon Finds - Macy Abramson

Creation The Chameleon Finds is a creation story told by the Yao tribe. Unlike other Bantus, the Yao tribe assert their origin from the earth. Most Bantu mythology describes a heavenly beginning for their people. However, like most Africans, the Yao tribe envisions a consequential outcome for human "progression". Actions like hunting and fishing, creating fire, and deforestation are seen as destructive and cruel by nature. The mythology of the Bantu tribes demonstrates an ecocentric epistemology, unlike most tales told in modern American culture.

Culture In Bantu culture, animals and the universe are eternal, so no myths of their origin exist. All stories begin with the emergence of man. Because the universe is everlasting, God is not praised as the creator of all things. Instead, he is seen as a part of the universe. In Bantu myths, God is often vexed by humans and their constant mistreatment and manipulation of the natural world. In The Chameleon Finds, man and woman create flames. This leads to widespread fire, forcing the gods off the face of the earth. It also involves the disturbance of animals, who are often seen as God's creatures in these tales. Bantu traditions and practices are what framed their civilization and are distinctly reflected in their mythology.

The Chameleon Finds This Bantu myth, taught by the Yao tribe, begins without the existence of people. A chameleon weaves a fish trap and sets it in the river. The first day the Chameleon checks his trap, he is happy to find an abundance of fish to eat. He finds nothing the following morning, but is surprised to find humans on the third day. It is a little man and a little woman, both smaller than the Chameleon. The Chameleon takes his findings to his father, Mulungu. Though they both are unsure of what the Chameleon has caught, Mulungu instructs him to release them onto the earth to grow.

The man and woman grow to a normal height, becoming the humans we envision today. All the animals watch in curiosity, as the humans rub sticks together making fire. Immediately, the bush catches fire, spreading quickly throughout the forest. All animals flee in order to escape the flames. One unlucky buffalo is caught by the humans, roasted, and eaten.

Mulungu is distraught, and exclaims, "They are burning up everything! They are killing my people!" He calls to Spider, and asks how he climbs such great heights. Spider spins a web for Mulungu, which he ascents to live in the sky. Mulungu, the Swahili representation of God, is driven off the earth and takes to the sky in anger.

Analysis Like most African creation stories, animals and nature are sanctified beings. It is evident that humans are seen as creatures of destruction and chaos to the natural world. This outlook on the human species puts the environment at the forefront of the Bantu belief system, creating a divine respect for the natural world. In The Chameleon Finds, all it takes is a fire to vex the gods. The idea that the world's natural beings are of superiority creates a sense of honor towards them.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bantu_mythology

The Chameleon Finds - Creation Myth