What does a porcupine mean in Africa. Encyclopedia of symbols

Porcupine: defensive power

The porcupine is small, but outwardly always ready for defense. African legends often tell that he can use his thorns as fire arrows dangerous to humans, so Africans rarely dared to hunt this beast. In the world of symbolism, it is often associated with military events and with warriors. The peoples of the Akan language have many proverbs regarding this.

For example: "Ashanti warriors, like porcupine bristles, grow in thousands if thousands die." Or: "Who is not afraid to catch a porcupine, which is protected by so many thorns."

Since this animal is not belligerent enough and uses its thorns only for defense, it symbolizes defensive power.

Source: "Symbols of Africa" ​​Heike Ovuzu