Mysterious and mischievous
In Southern Africa, a myth once foretold that if something went wrong or missing, an untraceable crime and just plain bizarre then they would blame the Tokoloshi. Elusive, mythical, spoken about but hardly ever seen, a creature whose actual existence is questionable, but the belief is real. Never far away from the blame. Where dragons collect gold or treasure, the Tokoloshi collects tales of misfortune and chaos!
“The Tokoloshi stole my homework!”
This small creature is related to the gremlin, goblin and wild haggis. Like their close relatives, their camouflage is so effective that very few people have ever seen one in the wild, and no one has ever been able to catch one to keep one in captivity. They are mainly nocturnal, and some say they are a combination of half man half beast like a small “Big Foot”. They are legendary but unproven, like the Loch Ness Monster evoking mixed emotions at times.
From campfire legends
Their legend came about from times centuries ago when clans and families slept around the campfire to keep warm during the cold nights on the high African hills. Traditionally, the fires were built in bowl-like structures, and if the fire burned too hot it would produce carbon monoxide, which is slightly heavier than air, and would suffocate people sleeping nearby. Anyone sleeping on raised areas was unaffected, so the explanation was that they survived because the Tokoloshi could not reach them. From these tragic circumstances, a part of the legend of the mischievous Tokoloshi was born.
Part of the African spirit
The influence of the Tokoloshi is evident in many aspects of Zulu culture, where sleeping on the ground is still considered risky (notwithstanding the many other reasons this would not be advisable in the wilderness), and homes are built with round rooms to prevent them from hiding in the corners. Only a traditional healer, a Sangama, can banish one. The Tokoloshi remains very much alive in African mythology. Some of these faces on the prints depict possible versions of the Myth.
Tokoloshi Faces
A mischievous spirit creature, like a goblin or pixie, the Tokoloshi evokes the soul of Africa, and this enchanting design brings the continent itself closer to you.
