The Rebellion of Humans: An African Spiritual Journey

Inspired by ancient Akan and Bamana cultures, this enigmatic sequel to The Origin of Life on Earth tells how Obatala created Ife, the first place on earth. The original residents of Ife respect their environment, but subsequent generations become careless and greedy. Eventually, two feuding groups racing to find gold in the sky build temples with high towers that are ravaged in a ``great crash.'' Many people leave Ife, and those who remain are ``gentle with the soil,'' take up fishing and hunting and teach their children to respect life. And if something is destroyed, a special boy named Sankofa has the task of going back to ``fetch what was lost.'' The rather abrupt ending to this tale has Sankofa opening up a chopped-down tree to create ``the stool,'' which, according to the book's glossary, ``represents the connections between humans and the natural world.'' Anderson relates his story with impressive dramatic flair, however, much of the symbolism may be lost on young readers. Of more universal appeal are Joachim's stunning, primitive paintings, in which the vivid hues of closely patterned African clothing offer a striking contrast to the variegated greens of Ife's vegetation. His delicate lines and gorgeous, Rousseau-like compositions mediate his radiant palette. All ages. (July)