Aké: The Years of Childhood Setting & Symbolism

Ak: The Years of Childhood Objects/Places

Ake

Ake is the town Wole lives in. It contains the parsonage compound (Wole's immediate living quarters), as well as a bustling marketplace.

Egungun

Egungun are ancestral spirits. They come in many types, from harmless pixies to more mischievous gremlins to very dangerous and lethal creatures. Wole believes St. Peter, as depicted on a church window, is an egungun because of his flowing robe, and he hopes to speak to him.

Egbaland

Egbaland is the region, a subset of Nigeria, where the Yoruba people live, and where Ake is located. In Wole's time, it is ruled by a District Officer appointed by England.

Isara

Isara is the town in which Father lives, an older town than Ake. While Wole is told exotic tales about Isara, when he visits he realizes how dirty and mean the town is.

The Communal Mat

Wild Christian's refugee children all sleep on a large mat inside her bedroom. Wole dreads the day...
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