African Folklore Stories: How the Waterbuck Got its White Circle?

Once upon a time, on a dark night, a mother Waterbuck and her calf were grazing near a wooden hut belonging to a Tribesman. The Tribesman had been busy painting his hut white during the day and left the tin of paint outside his door for the next morning’s work.

The lush grass outside the hut was irresistible to the Waterbuck, and the mother began to eat it. The calf followed, but unfortunately, it accidentally knocked over the tin of paint, causing a loud noise that woke the Tribesman.

Upon seeing his spilled paint, the Tribesman became furious, chasing the Waterbuck and throwing the empty tin of paint at them. The mother Waterbuck was struck on her hindquarters, leaving a round white mark.

Surprisingly, the Waterbuck was pleased with the white mark as it made it easier for her calf to follow her at night. Other Waterbuck saw the mark and decided to adopt it too. Today, all Waterbuck, including males and calves, have a white mark on their hindquarters.