Chiwara: The Antelope Spirit Who Taught Agriculture
The Bambara people of Mali revere Chiwara, a mythical half-human, half-antelope being who taught humans the fundamentals of agriculture. Chiwara used its antlers and a pointed stick to dig into the earth, making it possible for humans to cultivate the land. The people watched the antelope and followed its example to create their own farms, becoming expert farmers. Their harvests grew so bountiful that they began wasting the grain, taking abundance for granted. Disappointed, Chiwara buried itself deep into the earth and disappeared. The elders, regretting the loss of their great teacher, ordere