The Zebra's Apparel

A story from the Bushmen of Namibia

In the early days when the earth was young, the land was hot and dry.  In this new world, water could only be found in a few small holes scattered around the desert.

At one such waterhole, a baboon stood guard.  The baboon proclaimed that he was the owner of this waterhole and no one could drink there.  He said that this water is mine alone.  The baboon would always chase anyone who came by to drink. 

The baboon had built a fire close to the pool so that he could protect it during the very cold desert nights.

One day a zebra came by to quench his thirst after a very long and tiring journey.  In these early days, the zebra had no stripes.  He wore a dazzling coat of pure white fur.

The baboon jumped up in anger when the zebra approached.  "Who are you?  Go away!.  I am the lord of this water!.  It is mine."  The zebra was in no mood to listen to this selfish baboon.  "This is not your water, you ugly monkey, it belongs to everyone" shouted the zebra. 

The baboon was furious and said that if the zebra wanted the water, he must fight for it.  The baboon and the zebra were soon engaged in a fierce struggle.  Locked in combat, they rolled around back and forth around the waterhole.  Finally, the zebra gave one mighty kick and the baboon was sent flying high up into the rocks behind the waterhole. 

The zebra had kicked the baboon so hard that he lost his balance and fell into the baboon's fire.  The zebra sent burning sticks flying into the air when he tried to escape the fire.  These charred sticks left black scorch marks all over the zebra's fine white coat. 

Hurt and frightened, the zebra galloped to the plains where he has remained ever since.  Eventually, the zebra came to like his new apparel which made him stand out among the other animals. 

The baboon in the meantime, had landed on his rear-end with a mighty thud against the hard rocks.  The baboon has remained in the koppies ever since, nursing his bald red bottom, still as angry as ever.