African Food and Art

This blog explores the wisdom of African proverbs, the depth of folklore, the beauty of art, the stories of history, and the flavors of timeless African food recipes.

African Proverbs Difficult To Understand

African Proverbs Difficult To Understand

African Proverbs are often difficult to understand because they often refer to local customs or situations. However, among the strongest influences for learning lessons from people long on experience are through a nation's popular proverbs. 

They come, backed by the authority of the masses and that which everybody says we instinctively accept as true. Naturally, there is a tendency among the 54 African nations to make these compact and concise sayings, carved from real life. 

African proverbs and sayings are compressed summaries of practical wisdom, pure condensations of life-experience.


Studying African Proverbs teaching social justice and global issues
Studying African Proverbs 

There are many popular African proverbs which are full of truth and worthy of our study on social issues of hunger, injustice and global piracy of African land.

Formed from the wisdom of many proverbs are crystallizations of experience, brief expressions of the wisdom of the ancients. Below are 21 Ancient proverbs worth ruminating over and studying in-depth.

African Proverbs are often difficult to understand.




African Proverb


The labors of the poor make the pride of the rich.
It is a great way to the bottom of the sea.
Hope is a good breakfast but a bad supper.


African Proverb




Soon ripe, soon rotten.
A cat in gloves is a friend to rats.
In flying from the wolf, he met the lion.




African Proverb


It is pleasant to look at the rain when one stands dry.
Let everyone look to himself, and no one will be lost.
In the land of promise a man may die of hunger and want.




African Proverb


He that lives with cripples learns to limp.
A hungry belly has no ears.
Chickens are plucked as long as the feathers last.




African Proverb


Handsome apples are often sour.
See that you tie so that you can untie.
Better a land ruined than lost.



African Proverb


If you pull one, pig by the tail all the rest squeak.

He who plants fruit trees must not count upon the fruit.

Not all bite that shows their teeth.





African Proverb


Heavy purses and light hearts can sustain much.

Were fools silent they would pass for wise men.

Not all are wise who ride with the King.




African Proverb



Week’s Best African Culture Posts

What is the difference between ugali and fufu

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How to make the popular African recipes Ugali and Fufu and what is the difference.  Ugali is a starch dish in Kenya and Tanzania made of fine cornmeal cooked in boiling water into a soft dough. Fufu is a thick, dough-like West African food made by boiling then pounding a starchy vegetable such as yam, plantain, or cassava or a mixture of starchy vegetables. The main difference between fufu and ugali is fufu is boiled first then pounded while ugali is simply boiled. Ugali recipe. Easy Ugali Recipe Prep time 5 minutes Cook time 30 minutes Total time 30 minutes Ingredients 4 cups finely ground cornmeal 8 cups water Directions Heat water to boiling in a saucepan. Slowly pour cornmeal into boiling water stirring continuously. Add more cornmeal if necessary until it is thick as soft bread dough. Serve immediately with vegetables, stew, or any dish you would use a spoon with to soak up the sauce, ugali is purposely bland tasting on its own. What is the difference between ugali ...
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African Spirit Tree Test

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Africa boasts a remarkable array of unique trees, each showcasing distinct qualities that set it apart, much like the diverse personalities of people. The majestic Baobab, with its thick trunk and expansive canopy, symbolizes wisdom and resilience, while the vibrant Protea embodies courage and boldness with its striking flowers. Which tree do you resonate with? Are you as wise as the ancient Baobab or as daring as the brilliant Protea? Discover your true spirit by taking this engaging quiz designed to match you with an African tree that reflects your personality. Each tree symbolizes unique characteristics and qualities, so dive in to explore the connection between your spirit and these magnificent natural wonders. Get ready for a fun journey of self-discovery. Question 1: How Do You Handle Challenges? A.  You stand firm and face them head-on, using your wisdom. B.  You quietly help others and offer comfort. C.  You adapt quickly and find creative solutions. D.  You ...
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Berbere Spice Popcorn Topping Recipe

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Berbere Spice North African Popcorn Topping Recipe The best African spice for fresh popped popcorn is Berbere, a flavorful and aromatic bold spice blend from North Africa you buy at the local supermarket or online. Berbere is known for its bold mix of spices, often including chili peppers, garlic, ginger, fenugreek, cardamom, coriander, cinnamon, and cloves.  Berbere brings a balance of heat, sweetness, and earthy depth to any dish including fresh popped popcorn. The spice mix symbolizes community and hospitality, often prepared at home with slight variations to suit family preferences. Its fiery yet balanced flavor profile mirrors the complex and vibrant food of North African culture . In cities across Africa, popcorn is a common street snack and is often sold in cinemas, at markets, and by roadside vendors.  Berbere Spice Popcorn Topping Recipe Ingredients ½ cup poped popcorn kernels  2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 teaspoon Berbere spice blend   1 teaspoon salt ...
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Keto Moroccan Dinner Cooked Slowly

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Slow Cooked Moroccan Kefta Lamb Meatballs   Keto Tagine Morocco is at the geographic and cultural crossroads between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.   In Morocco, the term tagine refers to a slow cooked stew as well as the pot the stew is made in. Kefta Tagine Kefta Tagine is a keto-friendly Moroccan lamb meatball food dish fitted for your low-carb lifestyle. The slow cooking of the meatballs allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a fragrant, hearty keto meal. The star of the Kefta Tagine dish is lamb, symbolizing the richness of Moroccan hospitality. Lamb meat has been a staple in North African cuisine for centuries, with lamb being central to celebrations and religious festivals.  Ground lamb meat is spiced and shaped into small balls, known as kefta, a preparation that dates back to ancient Berber traditions.  The kefta are seasoned with cumin, paprika, and coriander, spices that have shaped Morocco’s history in the global trading of spices whi...
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