For the first time autobiographical notes of an African on his own psychosis are presented in
print. Mr. Tanka's experiences are related to problems of his environment characterized by
cultural change. Information on his tribe the Menka and psychiatric comments provide the
necessary background for the notes. The course of Mr. Tanka's illness followed for twelve
years illustrates results of the International Pilot Study on Schizophrenia (IPSS) of the WHO
that schizophrenia in patients from traditional cultures often has a favourable prognosis.
