The donkey, man's ill-loved companionIn Saharo-sahelian societies, the donkey is a very common and useful animal, and yet it is widely despised. We deal here with the position of the donkey in Tubu society: its economic importance, its status, and the way man perceives this animal. A comparison is then made with the donkey's status in neighbouring societies. The special role of the donkey in Tubu and other folktales is analysed, thus suggesting an explanation for the widespread scorn felt for this animal.
