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.

Lip Plate People of Africa

To see beauty you must have beauty in your soul.

Beauty of the Surma African Tribe Lip Plate People of Africa

The women of Naregeer village in Ethiopia's Upper Omo Valley are known for their lip plates and intricate scarification patterns on their skin. People photograph Africa in such a negative light, with wars, famine, and struggle but not for the beauty of African Tribes.

Africa contains about one-quarter of the land of the world. This area is more than three times the size Europe or nearly as much as North and South America's combined. 

Rich savannas and one-half by fields, forests, cover one-fifth of Africa and fertile soil yet discovered. Her variety and profusion of people, tribes, and beauty are without a rival, and her output of beauty and despair is unparalleled in the history of the world.

Africa lip plate is beautiful.
Africa is Beautiful Challenge

The Surma Tribes unique beauty and culture may soon vanish because of the Gibe III dam and the El Niño-induced drought.

The hydroelectric dam, Gibe III was built on Ethiopia's Lower Omo Valley forcing the tribes from their homelands, traditions, and way of life. Nyangatom herder’s life is already tough; now with the Gibe III Dam holding back the Omo River’s water for grass for livestock grazing and farming has severely reduced water downstream for tribal communities, spreading hunger in the Omo Valley.

In Ethiopia, where about 4 out of 5 people depend on agriculture for their livelihood, the effects of the El Niño-induced drought in 2015 and 2016 were devastating.

Between 50 percent and 90 percent of crop production was failed. Particularly in 2016, rains failed in southern and southeastern Ethiopia were households are entirely dependent on livestock for their food and income. Ethiopia is also host to one of the largest refugee populations in Africa.

March and April, gu and genna rains spring rains represent the main source of rainfall in the most affected regions in Ethiopia by the current drought, however, in 2017, the rains are below normal in amount and temperatures above-average.

This would mean the third year of poor rainfall and the rains are unlikely to sufficiently regenerate pasture and water points critically needed for affected pastoral and agropastoral households to recover.

Africa is Beautiful Challenge

Your challenge is to share this photo of the lip plate elder from the vanishing Surma African Tribe and comment on her and the beauty of Africa. Also, encourage your friends and family to take the challenge and see for themselves the beauty of African Tribes.

Beauty of the Surma African Tribe Lip Plate People of Africa
Beauty of the Surma African Tribe Lip Plate People of Africa

Beauty of African tribes; the tribes of Africa unique beauty and culture may soon vanish. What you see in yourself is what you see in the world.


Together we build awareness that boost harmony, education, and success, below are more links to articles you will find thought provoking.

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Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=

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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