About 'The Legendary Weaver: New Edition' The Legendary Weaver is set in Nigeria, where Kike, the protagonist, lives with her mother Aduni, in a small, remote village. A serious bout of fever leaves Kike weakened. She recovers slowly but gradually loses her hearing until, in her early teens, she is totally deaf. Kike's initial dream is to be a world renowned storyteller, but when she becomes deaf, her dream seems shattered. However, after a period of deep depression, she discovers the art of Cornrow plaits and begins to use this art as a form of non-verbal communication. Using her clients’ hair as canvass, she weaves intricate patterns and gives each design a name, based on the story behind its creation. Today, mathematicians and computer designers use the tessellating patterns of Cornrow to explore African Fractal geometry. Kike eventually turns her disability into a challenge and this challenge into wondrous capability, as she advances from her lowly station to a symbolic house on the hill. Short Reviews: The Legendary Weaver: New Edition “Told in a simple, sometimes earthy style, this story is a parable and moral tale, a paean to the indomitability of the human spirit.”Niyi Osundare, Poet and Literary Critic “Abimbola’s skill as a tale-teller is evident from the off. Like all the best novelists, you cannot tear your eyes from the page…” Katie, Evening Herald, Plymouth “Abimbola draws upon the richness of the African oral tradition… The interplay of orality and literacy, both in the narrative proverb and frame narrative is highly effective.” Grace Yesufu, Head of English, The John Warner School Hoddesdon 'Bata re a dun ko ko ka' - This Yoruba playground song -- features in 'The Legendary Weaver: New Edition'. The song encourages children to focus on learning. Please visit our Song/Story page, on this website, for the wordings in Yoruba and English and to listen to the rhythm. |
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