Elphinstone Dayrell

Elphinstone Dayrell was a British colonial administrator and writer known for his contribution to African folklore through his collection of Nigerian tales. His work is particularly significant for its role in preserving the oral traditions of the Ibibio and Efik peoples in southeastern Nigeria during the early 20th century. Dayrell served in various administrative roles in Nigeria, which allowed him to immerse himself in the local cultures and compile a wealth of folklore that might have otherwise been lost. His collections are valued for their authentic representation of African oral storytelling and provide insight into the cultural and moral values of the societies he studied. While specific details about his personal life, including his birth and death, remain elusive, his legacy lives on through his published works that continue to captivate readers worldwide.