PRELUDE TO CIVILISATION

This story has no cultural source because it comes from the tapestry itself – created by an African weaver who put into its woven form the concept of Africa living together in peace. The storyteller is the trance-led shaman of the first people of southern Africa, he is the griot of west- ern Africa, the rawi al heqayat of Egypt, the sheha of the east coast, the transmitter of the oral tradition in all places from west to east and from desert to the southernmost tip of land before it becomes ocean.

He or she is the tale-teller beside the fire – nameless, essential, purveyor of history, morality and entertain- ment. Listen, for all of them have much to tell you. I am the ox of Africa. Watch me with care ... I am the one you have trained to pull your carts and wagons, plough your fields, trample your corn to thresh it, power your irrigation inventions, and some- times I allow you to ride upon me. My story is the whole human race and all the creatures useful to mankind. Each has its own place in the great scheme of things. If some look strange, then some indeed are strange!

Beneath my feet is the yellow-brown earth of Africa. Behind and above me is the greenness of growth, of crops, of new growth, of civilisation. Listen to me ... My story is six thousand years long and unending. I have been with you for generation after generation through the growth of Africa. I do not hurry. I take life as it comes. I can only move forward to serve mankind with ease if all those within my enormous bulk are in harmony. If there is dispute or discord, my belly will ache and I shall suffer. I have used my strength on your behalf to increase your productivity, to speed your travel, to bring civilisation. Why have you people of Africa not learned from my patient toil? Why do you bring such agony to my body? Learn from me ... Through heat and flood and famine, the ox goes on. I am your worker – but also your wealth and pride. My voice echoes across the centuries, dragging your dreams. In peace.