Summary of "Bokara Legendre: Mummy Was a Wild Game Hunter"

Introduction

In this captivating episode of The Moth, Bakara Legendre shares an enthralling and personal narrative that intertwines her family's legacy with themes of heritage, transformation, and the supernatural. Recorded live at The Moth in 2001, her story delves deep into the complex relationship between mother and daughter, set against the backdrop of a South Carolina plantation filled with the remnants of a bygone era.

Mother’s Legacy as a Big Game Hunter

Bakara begins by painting a vivid picture of her mother, affectionately referred to as "Mummy," who was an avid big game hunter during a time when such pursuits were culturally celebrated. She recounts,

“My mother was a big white hunter at the time when a lot of people thought that the world was full of animals who basically hung out until somebody white in a topee shot them” ([00:02]).

Her mother's passion for hunting took her and her father on expeditions to places like Abyssinia (now Ethiopia) in 1928, where they amassed a significant collection of animal trophies housed in local museums.

Inheriting the Plantation

Fast forward 35 years, Bakara inherits her mother's plantation in South Carolina upon her passing. The plantation is a repository of her mother's life's work, featuring a grand lodge adorned with numerous animal trophies. Bakara reflects on her mother's adventurous spirit:

“Mummy was a real let's get cracking, let's get the show on the road and have a really great time kind of girl” ([04:45]).

Determined to honor her mother's legacy while forging her own path, Bakara decides to transform the plantation from a symbol of hunting and power into a sanctuary for peace and spiritual growth.

Attempts to Transform the Plantation

Bakara's vision involves removing the animal trophies and replacing them with elements that promote harmony and divinity. She explains her initial attempts to part with the trophies:

“I called Anne Aristoff... if you'd like to have 150 heads?” ([07:15]).

However, she encounters bureaucratic hurdles, such as legal restrictions on transporting endangered species, which prevent her from easily disposing of the collection.

Supernatural Challenges

As Bakara undertakes the transformation, she faces a series of unexplained and unsettling events that seem to resist her efforts. From spontaneous fires to collapsing Christmas trees, these occurrences intensify her struggle:

“There was a huge fire in the fireplace and it erupted in masses of black smoke” ([08:13]).

Despite her manager’s skepticism and opposition, Bakara remains resolute in her mission to rid the plantation of its dark past.

Resolution and Spiritual Awakening

After multiple failed attempts, Bakara resorts to a spiritual solution by organizing a Beltane festival. Her plan involves a ceremonial bonfire to cleanse the plantation of its haunting legacy. Unfortunately, her manager dismisses the idea due to concerns over formaldehyde toxicity, reflecting the ingrained resistance to change:

“He said that there's formaldehyde in the animals heads and that we would all be poisoned” ([13:30]).

Ultimately, Bakara sends the animal heads to her nephew, symbolizing her relinquishment of her mother's legacy. This act marks a turning point, allowing her to reclaim the plantation and infuse it with new life centered around spirituality and peace.

“Now I have my paintings of animals to call in the space spirits so that the animal spirits will help me. And I realized I'm free” ([14:50]).

Conclusion

Bakara Legendre's story is a profound exploration of personal identity, familial expectations, and the struggle to redefine one's heritage. Through her eloquent narrative, she invites listeners to reflect on the power of legacy and the courage it takes to forge a new path. By transforming the plantation from a monument of hunting to a space of spiritual convergence, Bakara embodies the resilience and adaptability required to honor the past while embracing the future.

Notable Quotes

• Bakara Legendre: “My mother was a big white hunter at the time when a lot of people thought that the world was full of animals who basically hung out until somebody white in a topee shot them.” ([00:02])

• Bakara Legendre: “Mummy was a real let's get cracking, let's get the show on the road and have a really great time kind of girl.” ([04:45])

• Bakara Legendre: “I called Anne Aristoff... if you'd like to have 150 heads?” ([07:15])

• Bakara Legendre: “There was a huge fire in the fireplace and it erupted in masses of black smoke.” ([08:13])

• Bakara Legendre: “Now I have my paintings of animals to call in the space spirits so that the animal spirits will help me. And I realized I'm free.” ([14:50])

Final Thoughts

Bakara Legendre's story is a testament to the enduring impact of family legacy and the transformative power of personal agency. Her journey from inheriting a plantation steeped in hunting trophies to creating a space dedicated to peace and spirituality serves as an inspiring narrative for anyone grappling with reconciling the past with their own values and aspirations.