ABSTRACT
A number of concepts are associated with the creation myths of Africa: evolution, creationism, incarnation, reincarnation, biological reproduction, and resurrection. Although many of the examples discussed here come from northeast Africa, some common trends and models of explanations cut across the continent of Africa as a whole. As pointed out by the historian Jan Vansina, myths of origin describe three main aspects of origin: (1) the creation of the world and humankind; (2) mythological genealogies, reconstructing the relationship of various African nationalities; and (3) legends of various migrant communities’ initial point of departure.
