View from an Elder on the myths & Legends and why she thinks its important to preserve Guyanese folklore

Podcast on Preserving Guyanese Folklore

Preserving Our Folklore Part 3

Person Dedicated to preserving Guyana’s Folklore

Born to Winslow Alexander McAndrew and Ivy McAndrew, Wordsworth McAndrew became an unyielding advocate for the collection, preservation, and celebration of Guyanese folk life. He has used all the types media possible - the speech, the poem, the article, the book, the radio programme, the rum-shop lime and other interpersonal channels - to make his case and promote the project. 

For almost five decades, McAndrew has been unfailing in his view that the collection, preservation, and celebration projects must be systematic, sustainable and accessible in order to preserve Guyana’s ‘unique identity’.

For example, in September 1961, The Evening Post reported on a presentation McAndrew made to the Cultural Society of the British Guiana Fire Brigade. He argued for the creation of a society to preserve (what was then) ‘Guianese’ folklore. He also said that there were many eminent ‘Guianese’ ‘who could form the nucleus of the society for the preservation of folklore.’

Whether the name of Mr McAndrew rings a bell or not – from today, it shall – he is a pioneer for Guyana’s folklore and has, in many ways, made it interesting. He has done his part and we should too, as loyal citizens of Guyana.

Preserving Our Folklore Part 2

Folklores are our Identity

A country’s folklore is incredibly essential for the preservation of that country’s culture and ‘unique’ their identity. In a world that is ever changing and as times changes and the years progress it has become increasingly difficult for people to keep passing on these oral traditions. Who is to be blamed? However uncertain, the blame cannot be placed entirely on the shoulders of the elders, as the younger generation is caught in the throes of technology; they hardly find time to familiarize themselves with ancient folklores.

Preserving a country’s folklore is synonymous to family stories being passed from generation to generation. So all the stories about aunt Babsie and uncle John are the equivalent to a country knowing the folklore that has made them into what they are today. Though the road to educating our younger generation about the history of storytelling may be a long and daunting one, there are many creative means of making the folklore more appealing so that the interest of our young people can be peaked into learning more – with dedication and perseverance to pass these legends on through to the future and ensure that our grandchildren’s great-grandchildren know about the tales of Ole Higue, Bacoo, Moongazer and so many more stories all available here . 

Preserving Our Folklore Part 1

Folklore Tales

Masacurraman

Ole Higue

In our little country of Guyana, folklore is not limited to anything and tales often run rampant in the interior regions and even make their way out to the city. There are many characters that are quite popular in Guyanese Folklore. For example, the Amerindians tell the tale of the ‘Masacurraman’; a legend that maintains the balance of nature by preventing people from exploiting the country’s natural resources. There is also the ‘Dutchman’, which comes from the days of when Guyana was colonized by the Dutch. Also quite popular is the tale of the ‘Bacoo’ and how one must feed him milk and bananas or he will behave in the most violent manner. ‘Ole Higue’ is also another popular story that almost every Guyanese is familiar with, it is the tale of a woman who sheds her skin and feeds on people and babies while they sleep. If you have read the available stories you will find that undoubtedly your interest has been peaked and you will see a lot of correlation between Guyanese folklore and other legends of mystical creatures around the world.

Bacoo