An analysis of folktales of the lenge, Portuguese East Africa*

Abstract

A collection of Lenge folktales reminds one of relics to be found in an ancient mound or ash-heap used by successive tribes, containing potsherds, bones, shells, with more modern tools on the surface. It may not be an easy matter to determine the age of the objects. Likewise the psychological fossils in folktales often reappear in a new guise under the influence of social contacts, personal object-relations, and evolution in the daily life and thought. Folktales may include myths, pseudo-myths and saga, but they can also record individual reactions and emotional drives in the common round of daily tasks and associations. I am not competent to deal with the connexion between animal tales and ancient ritual. This and other aspects of folklore have been studied by eminent anthropologists. I can only summarize for the use of comparative folklorists the material to be found in Lenge tales. The Lenge dwell along the coast between the Limpopo and Chopiland. I have described the origin of their sibs in my book Valenge Women. The folklore of tales, proverbs, riddles, consists of Thonga, Chopi, Ngoni and Ndau elements. The Lenge have a hoe culture but modern hoes are of comparatively recent date, digging sticks having been used formerly by the women, the agriculturists. The Lebomho Mission has latterly introduced a tractor at Maciene, with excellent results.