TOKOLOSHE

As a child growing up in Africa I was introduced to the myth of Tokoloshe. A small gremlin-like creature who was created by a witchdoctor to harm its enemies.

We were warned by our nannies that Tokoloshe will get us if we misbehave. Tokoloshe stories are plentiful and woven into the folklore of Africa. 

The only way to keep Tokoloshe away is to place bricks under each leg of the bed, raising it of the ground, the higher the safer.  My father was a house painter and we had many empty paint cans  These cans became the favourite of the nannies in the area, as they were stable and high. 

These days they are still doing this, raising the bed of the floor. When asked about their belief in Tokoloshe they: replied “ Heck no, we just raise the bed to make room under it for our suitcases.”