Occupational poetry is a type of oral literature that is specific to a particular profession or trade.
These types of poems are passed down through generations within a community, and often
contain practical information, such as instructions for a task or descriptions of tools and
techniques. They also often include elements of storytelling, such as descriptions of the lives
and experiences of people who work in the profession. The poetry is often passed down
through an apprenticeship and is used to teach the trade to new members of the community.
The poetry is also used to celebrate and honor the profession and its members. Overall,
occupational poetry is an important part of oral literature as it serves to preserve the
knowledge, traditions, and culture of a particular profession or trade.
Griot: A griot is a traditional West African storyteller, praise singer, and poet. Their role is to
preserve the history, genealogy, and cultural traditions of their community through oral
storytelling, poetry, and song. The poetry of the griot is characterized by its use of metaphor,
repetition, and elaborate imagery to convey the richness and complexity of their culture.
Themes include historical events, the deeds of kings and heroes, and the struggles and
triumphs of everyday life.
Hunter-gatherer: In many African societies, hunting and gathering are essential occupations
that are deeply connected to the natural world. The poetry of the hunter-gatherer is
characterized by its close observation of the natural world and its rich imagery of animals,
plants, and the landscape. Themes include the beauty and power of nature, the relationship
between humans and the natural world, and the spiritual significance of hunting and gathering.
Farmer: In many African societies, farming is an essential occupation that is closely tied to the
cycles of the seasons and the fertility of the land. The poetry of the farmer is characterized by
its use of imagery and metaphor to convey the rhythms of the farming year and the importance
of the land. Themes include the connection between humans and the land, the cycles of
planting and harvest, and the importance of hard work and perseverance.
In general, these three occupations in African settings are characterized by their close
connection to the natural world and the importance of community, tradition, and culture. The
poetry reflects this connection, using rich imagery and metaphor to convey the complexity and
beauty of the natural world and the lives and experiences of the people who depend on it.
Fishing: Fishing is an important occupation in many African societies, particularly those located
along the coast or on the banks of rivers and lakes. The poetry of fishing in African settings
often reflects the close connection between the community and the natural world, as well as
the importance of tradition and culture in the fishing practices.
Stylistically, the poetry of fishing in African settings often employs rich imagery and metaphor
to convey the beauty and power of the ocean or river, as well as the skill and knowledge
required to catch fish. Repetition and oral storytelling are common techniques used to convey
the importance of passing down the knowledge and skills of fishing from one generation to the
next.
Themes in the poetry of fishing in African settings include the importance of community, the
relationship between humans and the natural world, the spiritual significance of fishing, and
the struggles and triumphs of everyday life. The poetry often celebrates the hard work and
perseverance of the fishermen, as well as the abundance and sustenance provided by the fish.
Additionally, the poetry may also reflect on the impact of overfishing, pollution, and other
environmental problems on the fishing communities, reflecting the changing nature of the
fishing industry.
Overall, fishing poetry in African settings is an important part of oral literature that reflects the
close connection between the community, the natural world and their livelihoods, and the
importance of tradition and culture in their fishing practices.