Binti Glossary

astrolabe: an astrolabe is an ancient instrument used to calculate the position of celestial bodies. In Binti, the astrolabe is a complex instrument that stores a person’s history.

edan: an electronic device that Binti uses to communicate with the Meduse

empathy: the act of intuitively understanding the thoughts and feelings of another

okuoko: Meduse word for tentacle. After Binti is stung by a Meduse, her braids turn into okuoko.

otjize: Otjize is a substance made from red clay, butterfat and a sweet-smelling resin. Himba women cover their skin and hair in otjize instead of bathing in water, which is scarce. As a Himba woman, Binti covers herself in otjize, which is also a powerful healing agent as portrayed in the novel.

sedentary: used to staying in one place

tessellating: repeating in a pattern of shapes touching each other

titular: relating to the title; Binti is the titular hero of the novella Binti