“Ark of Bones” is an allegorical first-person narrative by Fish-hound. The story involves two boys who stroll along the Mississippi River and observe an ark filled with bones. Fish-hound heads to the river to fish and is followed by Headaye, a young boy with a mojo bone. The two boys seem to have coincidentally met at the river bank. Fish-hound tries to avoid Headaye because he doesn’t want to show him the best fishing points. Ultimately, the two boys manage to meet and have a conversation. Fish-hound is disinterested in Headaye’s stories about bones. A storm hits the river, and an ark appears.
Both Fish-hound and Headaye are taken to the mysterious ark by a rowboat. Fish-hound believes they are dead, and the ark has been sent to take them to heaven. When the two get into the ark, they find it filled with bones. As well, they are ushered in by a man who looks like a priest. The man ordains Headaye in a religious ceremony. During the ordination, Headaye is informed that he is “in the house of generations” (Dumas). The priest also tells him that the souls of people of color in the U.S partly belong to the ark.
The imagery of water is significant in this story. Africans are known for their beliefs in superstitions. Indeed, water functions as a link between traditional beliefs and modern religious rites. Headaye is ordained on water and anointed as a captain after the ceremony. This shows he has changed into a new person. Before ordination, Headaye was allegorically burdened by mojo bone. The ordination gives him a new lease of life because he is appointed captain of the ark.
