Autor: Elphinstone Dayrell

Elphinstone Dayrell served as a British colonial official in Southern Nigeria during the early 20th century and is best known for his work in the collection and preservation of local Nigerian folklore. His seminal contribution to literature is the compilation „Folk Stories from Southern Nigeria, West Africa“ (1910). This volume provides a valuable snapshot of the traditional stories circulating in the region during the period of his appointment as a district commissioner. Dayrell“s approach to the transcription of these tales was pioneering in its sensitivity to the oral traditions from which they emerged, recognizing the importance of the cultural context in understanding the narratives. The stories transcribe not just the region“s folklore but also shed light on the customs, values, and beliefs of the indigenous people. His work can be seen as a precursor to later, more systematic anthropological studies and has been noted for its contribution to the field of ethnography. His literary style is characterized by a narrative fidelity to the oral tradition, seeking to retain the authenticity and vibrancy of the tales as they were recounted to him. While Dayrell“s career and works have not been as prolific or widely recognized as some of his contemporaries, his book remains a cherished contribution to the collection and study of West African folklore, enriching the world“s anthology of folk narratives.