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.

Gold Mining the Devils Office South Africa

The South African Gold Belt and the Devils Office 1881.


Gold mining in 1881 in the gold mines of Kaapsehoop South Africa involved panning, sluicing, dredging, hard rock mining, and working in the devils office.

Gold mining in 1882 in the gold mines of Kaapsehoop South Africa

Kaapsehoop Gold Mining the Devils Office South Africa

Kaapsehoop, the devils office, overlooks the De Kaap Valley also known as the valley of death because many gold miners died from malaria.

Kaapsehoop is a town in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa. Kaapsehoop owes its existence to the discovery of gold in the hills around the present-day town in 1881. A rush of miners and fortune-hunters ensued. The name Kaapschehoop is also spelled Kaapsche Hoop.

In 1882 Bernard Chomse claimed to have found gold in the bed of a stream in Kaapsehoop and a gold rush took place. Its existence was short-lived, however, as most of the broker's left Barberton following the discovery of the rich goldfields of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. Witwatersrand mine is so rich it produces about 50% of all the gold ever mined on earth.

Kaapsehoop gold rush was short lived due to the discovery of a much richer gold mine in Witwatersrand and gold miners named the Kaapsehoop mine duiwelskantoor “devil's office”.

According to South Africa travel directory an early record says, no description could convey anything approaching an adequate idea of the difficulties of a journey through this region. The mountains are so rugged that only the devil could live here.

Did you know? Bernard Chomse is credited for being the first gold miner to find gold in 1881 in a stream bed near to Kaapsehoop.

Below are more links to gold mining articles you will find thought provoking.

  1. Gold Mining and Gangs in Nigeria
  2. Gold causes lead poisoning in African children
  3. Artisanal and Small-scale mining


Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=

Week’s Best African Culture Posts

What is the difference between ugali and fufu

Image
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 ...
Read the full post here

African Spirit Tree Test

Image
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 ...
Read the full post here

Keto Moroccan Dinner Cooked Slowly

Image
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...
Read the full post here

Berbere Spice Popcorn Topping Recipe

Image
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 ...
Read the full post here