We Face Forward: Anansi Stories

A popular character in West African and Caribbean folklore, Anansi the Spider is a trickster who started life as a man, but due to his mischievous ways was turned into a spider by his father, the Great Sky God. Because of his small size, Anansi uses his intelligence to survive and stories of his adventures have a lot to teach us all.

Using the Museum’s natural history and ethnographic collections, The Manchester Museum has worked with the African Caribbean Carers Group and artist Alan Birch to develop a re-interpretation of the Anansi Spider stories. The group’s resulting artworks, printed stories and Museum objects are displayed in the Museum’s reception area. There is also an associated programme of family and adult events, featuring storytelling, live music and other performances.

Part of We Face Forward.

Photo: A member of the African Caribbean Carers Group with their artwork. Image c Paul Cliff.