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| Anansi | |
|---|---|
 Illustration of Anansi by Pamela Colman Smith, 1899 | |
| Venerated in | Akan Folklore |
| Artifacts | Spider Totem of Knowledge, Stories, Trickery, and Wisdom |
| Symbol | Spider |
| Ethnic group | Akan • Ashanti • African Americans • Afro-Caribs |
Anansi or Ananse (/əˈnɑːnsi/ ə-NAHN-see; literally translates to spider) is an Akan folktale character associated with stories, wisdom, knowledge, and trickery, most commonly depicted as a spider, in Akan folklore.[1] Taking the role of a trickster, he is also one of the most important characters of West African, African American and West Indian folklore. Originating in Ghana, these spider tales were transmitted to the Caribbean by way of the transatlantic slave trade.[2]
Anansi is best known for his ability to outsmart and triumph over more powerful opponents through his use of cunning, creativity and wit.[3] Despite taking on a trickster role, Anansi often takes centre stage in stories and is commonly portrayed as both the protagonist and antagonist.
- ^ "Spider popular in Caribbean folklore takes center stage". Sun Sentinel. 8 June 2012. Retrieved 14 November 2022.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
:0was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Eriksen, Thomas Hylland (December 2013). "The Anansi position". Anthropology Today. 29 (6): 14–17. doi:10.1111/1467-8322.12072. ISSN 0268-540X. (Respond to this article at Archived 14 August 2017 at the Wayback Machine)