African Art and Food Sharing History and Heritage

Women can farm the land but land ownership is not for women in Sierra Leone Africa. Even though laws in Sierra Leone allows foreign investors to own and lease land, native Sierra Leonean women can not. Women's land ownership rights in Africa, in Sierra Leone outdated government policies and tribal customs often deny women's rights to own land. Land in Sierra Leone is characterized by a dual tenure system that dates as far back as the colonial era the British Crown Colony is known as Freetown was established in 1808 and the later claim over the native populations land was named the Protectorate in 1896. The British instituted the freehold and leasehold tenure system in and around the capital of Freetown. Freehold or fee simple tenure is the legal right to own a piece of property without any limitations on its use. The leasehold tenure system is when land may be leased or rented by its owner to another party. Land is not for Women in West Africa’s Sierra Leone Upon a...

Usage of Amen and Ashe or Ase Ashe to Amen learn about the custom of using the words Ashe and Amen historically. Where did the word Amen and Ashe come from why is it said and what does it mean? In Judaism, 3,500 years old and Christian religions 2,000 years old, Amen, means may it be so. In the African Yoruba language among the Yoruba people whose culture is as old as time, Ashe or Ase means may it be so. Ase or Ashe means power, commandment, and authority, the ability to make whatever one says happen from the spiritual to the physical realm. In the Yoruba language, Ashe is omnipresent spiritual energy. Followers of Judaism and Christian religions use the word Amen. It is the word utilized to end prayers as an affirmation for the requests to be provided by God. Yoruba is as old as time, Ashe refers to the life force within all living things, the spark that animates life. It is used as a term used in the same manner as Amen at the end of appeals and prayers as an affirmati...

Tahini is sesame eeds ground into a paste that is a super simple recipe to make and less expensive to make rather than buying it at your local supermarket or specialty shop. You need just three ingredients to make tahini, sesame seeds, honey and oil. You can add as much or as little salt as you like. Store your homemade tahini in a clean jar with a tight lid and store in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. Tahini Honey Butter Recipe Yield around 12 servings 2 grams fat 38 grams carbohydrates 2 milligrams of sodium Three Ingredient Tahini Honey Butter Recipe Ingredients 1 cup honey ½ cup sesame seeds 2 tablespoons sunflower oil Directions In a frying pan over medium heat lightly toast your sesame seeds. In a food processor add sesame seeds and oil, grind until a thick paste, add honey. Pour into glass jars or a a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. How to use tahini Use sweet North African tahini honey butter re...

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  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 Ancien...

Cassava and cassava flour, everything you ever wanted to know. Cassava is known by various names, manioc, yucca, yuca, mandioca, and tapioca. Cassava originated from tropical America and was first introduced into Africa in the Congo basin by the Portuguese around 1558. Adding cassava and cassava flour to your diet can easily lead to weight gain since cassava flour has double the carbohydrate and calorie content of sweet potatoes. Cassava flour is great if you are looking for high-calorie food but not so great when trying to lose weight. Cassava flour maybe a gluten-free, wheat flour alternative, however, cassava root is essentially a rich carbohydrate source. Cassava grows well in poor soils with little attention needed to grow the crop. However, it requires considerable postharvest labor because the roots are highly perishable and must be processed into a storable form soon after harvest. Roots can be harvested between six months and three years after planting. Cass...

Reading and collecting three famous short African folklore stories, Foolish Tongue, Why Frogs Croak and Why the Sky is Curved. Surma tribe folklorw in southwestern Ethiopia In Africa, in the earliest times before there were pictures or written words there was the African folktale. For centuries, stories were passed down by word of mouth from one generation to the next. As Africans traveled across the African continent, they took their stories with them. Every community had a storyteller who sat around the fire at night spinning yarns of magical tales and legends. African folktales reached into the heart of the people and grew into the lifeblood of the African community. African folklore storytelling has long been accepted as a form of teaching to be defined as a series of events told in such a way that it moves the emotions and the intellect. African folklore storytelling is a spiritual legacy passed down from one generation to another. It is as old as Africa herself with a deep...

In many African countries sexual, physical and social violence because you are female is common. Due to segregation and margination many prospects for women in Africa are gender limited.  Homeless women and children in Darfur in western Sudan.  Around 46% of women in Africa have experienced either non-partner sexual violence or physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner, or both. Physical violence meant the woman had been: slapped, or had something thrown at her; pushed or shoved; hit with a fist or something else that could hurt; kicked, dragged or beaten up; choked or burnt; threatened with or had a weapon used against her. Sexual violence meant the woman had: been physically forced to have sexual intercourse; had sexual intercourse because she was afraid of what her partner might do; been forced to do something sexual she found degrading or humiliating. In Ethiopia, of women who had ever experienced physical violence by a partner, 19% had been inj...

Homemade South African Indian Garam Masala Our recipe can be enjoyed with any kind of dish. The word Garam Masala simply means spices, and garam means hot. Garam masala is a blend of spices, originating from the Indian subcontinent making its way around the world in every nations food recipes. Traditionally South African Indian recipes call for garam masala, a blend of seven spices, cumin, coriander, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Indian food is unimaginable without Garam Masala spice. Spices give South African Indian cuisine it's unique flavor and character. Most South African Indian recipes call for many different types of spices, many you may never have used.     One of the things that people find intimidating about cooking Indian food is the vast array of spices used. Do not assume that these Indian spices are hard to find, most are to be found in your local supermarkets, and if you cannot find them there, visit the local Indian grocery store. ...

Elders wear a garland of silver and grey to grace their heads. One of the most revered sources of knowledge and guidance in African cultures is the words of the Elders, who have accumulated a wealth of experience and insight throughout their lives. Their sayings are often proverbial, using metaphors, analogies, and stories to convey deep truths and lessons.  Many people believe that the words of the Elders are inspired by the Spirits, who watch over the affairs of humans and intervene in times of need. Therefore, the Elders' words profoundly impact the hearts and minds of those who hear them, influencing their decisions, actions, and attitudes.  The wisdom of the Elders is not static but dynamic, as it adapts to changing circumstances and contexts. It is also not exclusive but inclusive, as it welcomes new perspectives and contributions from younger generations. The words of the Elders are a precious heritage that has been preserved and transmitted through oral tradition for c...