Anansi is the spirit of rebellion; he is able to overturn the social order
Dinner with Anancy
Ananis is a character, originating from West African folk-lore, who is both a spider and a man. In West African folk-lore Anansi is the son of they sky god Nyame, and often acts on his behalf.
As a trickster character, Anansi traveled the Atlantic with the West African slaves and is now found in the folk tales of the West Indies, parts of South America, and the United States.
Jamaicans.com describes Anansi as “quick-witted and intelligent surviving the odds and tricking those around him. He personifies the quality of survival so admired by Jamaicans.” The article goes on to show how during and after slavery, Jamaicans of colour identified themselves with Ananis, and how many of the creatures Anansi out-smarts are symbolic of the white oppressors.
In the United States Br’er Rabbit stories often have similar story lines, Br’er Rabbit is believed to have originated in the Bantu tribes of South Africa.
Anansi’s american cousin
Anansi Stories on-line
A song to leave you with
Anansi is a spider
Anansi is a man
Anansi is a clever one
He always have a plan
Yeah, he always have a plan– Raffi
Anastasia E White 