Birds as subjects in Setswana folklore: Depiction of their relationship to man

Abstract

Setswana folktales and proverbs about birds demonstrate the deep-rooted understanding of natural history by Africans in general and the Batswana people in particular. Traditionally, birds played a central role in the life of the Batswana, because birds share their physical space, resources and food, and in so doing impact human society in various spheres of life. This study attempts to trace the relationship between birds and the Batswana people from Setswana folktales and proverbs.