African storytelling

Thousands of years ago, African tribes began telling stories in order to share their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs as well as to explain the world around them. They also told stories about their geneology and history. Storytelling was also a popular form of entertainment in ancient Africa and still is today. In fact, all tribes in Africa enjoy storytelling.

Animals played an important role in many of the stories, considering that the people lived in such close proximity with them. They even attributed some human feelings and desires to animals. Some of the popular animals included the antelope, snake, spider, chameleon, tortoise, and spider.
The antelope suggests power and elusiveness of spirits since they are viewed as creatures of speed and grace.
In stories, the snake was viewed as immortal because it shed it's skin and continued to live.
The chameleon was one of the creatures that helped to create the universe. It was also supposed to be the creature to delived the message of the Great One to all of the people, but wasn't able to because he was too slow. Now the chameleon brings death to the world
The tortoise often played the part of the trickster who projected evil forces and behaviors that we all have to deal with.
The spider, called "Anansi" by some tribes was depicted as the cleverest of all animals and is one of the most popular creatures in the stories.

Anyone in the tribe can tell stories, but the official storytellers are called "griots". There is usually only one per village and their job is to learn centuries worth of stories and traditions, including the genealogy of everyone in the village. If someone from another tribe or village tried to steal another one's griot, it could be a call for war.

Many stories have audience participation where the listeners “respond” to the griot’s “calls”. The audience may also have a chant to say.There can also be a community chorus. Stories are usually told sitting around the fire or under a tree.

Sources:
http://arted.osu.edu/kplayground/storytelling.htm
http://www.timsheppard.co.uk/story/dir/traditions/africa.html
http://www.africa.mrdonn.org/griots.html
http://www.mrdowling.com/609ancafr.html