African Food and Art: Sharing History and Heritage

The Golden Rhinoceros of Mapungubwe is a powerful symbol representing one of Mapungubwe South Africa most physically powerful animals, the rhinoceros and one of South Africa's most enduring symbols of wealth, gold. Golden Rhinoceros of Mapungubwe The famous South African city of Mapungubwe is pronounced as mah-poon-goob-weh. The graves of Mapungubwe royalty were buried in the upright seated position which is associated with royalty usually buried with a variety of gold and copper items, exotic glass beads, and other prestigious objects. These finds provide evidence not only of the early smelting of gold in southern Africa but of the extensive wealth and social differentiation of the people of Mapungubwe. The remains of Mapungubwe graves were uncovered in 1932 by inexperienced amateur and experienced archeologists from the University of Pretoria. South African art would not be complete without a discussion of the small, small enough to sit in the palm of your hand, Mapungubwe golden

Africa is known for words of wisdom using African Proverbs to help adapt to change and embrace uncertainties of the world or to let that hot mess go. There are centuries of wisdom in words from Africa in the language of African proverbs. African Proverbs help people to cope with life and death matters by adding traditional common sense to a complex situation.  Essential lessons learned from African proverbs carry heavy weight in world culture. African proverbs are common African sayings used by honored ancestry.  Africa's best known African proverbs teach no matter how clever the gadget and predictions from psychics, the future remains unknown and that's ok. As the ancestors say, if you really want to be happy, be happy.  The influence of African proverbs over the hearts and lives of people was second only to the words from Spirits. The widespread wisdom of African proverbs has brought important social and moral messages to the people who struggle in life. Each and every human

The Journey of the Dog, Hawk, Eagle, and Rat In this story, a Dog, Hawk, Eagle, and Rat embark on a journey together, promising not to abandon or fight each other. However, they encounter delays as each animal wants to wait for a specific food source or desire to be fulfilled. When they reach a forest, the Dog's constant wetting of her nose annoys the others, and they abandon her. The Dog becomes angry and chases after the Rat. This story highlights the importance of keeping promises and the dangers of letting impatience and anger control our actions. One day a Dog, Hawk, Eagle, and Rat planned to take a trip together, but before starting they promised not to abandon and fight each other in any matter that comes up during the journey. They had not gone very far when Eagle saw a bunch of unripe palm-nuts, and said "When these palm-nuts are ripe, and I have eaten them, then we will proceed on our way." They waited many days until the palm-nuts ripened and wer

Who sits in a well to observe the sky does not see very much - Inner Being African Proverb The energetic force of the inner self uses hurts, pains and betrayals to the inner child as food to grow and form a healthy adult character. Inner self is the true internal identity tuned into the emotional and spiritual essential nature of one's self able to forge a whole healthy being from damaged parts.  Inner Being African Proverbs. Who knows the truth is not equal to those who live it. Though the left hand conquers the right no advantage is gained. When fingers start scratching the thumb follows along. When a large vessel has opened a way it is easy for a small one to follow. What the ear hears is not like what the eye sees. The light of all the stars is not equal to that of the moon. Those who know when they have enough are rich. The inner self is connected to the undivided individual aware of the character of the irrational and rational mind, merging the two into a focused, confident,

Savory Tunisian lentil donuts are fried and dipped into harissa hot pepper paste. Lentil doughnuts are popular in many African countries and are prepared in various forms as a savory or sweet snack that can be homemade or purchased in bakeries, supermarkets, and street food stalls. Lets make fried Tunisian Lentil Doughnuts in 30 minutes serving five people. Serve as a snack with hummus or harissa hot pepper paste, the ingredients to our savory doughnuts are below and the ingredients are found in your local grocery store. Ingredients 2 cans 15.5 ounces of lentil beans, drained 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns 1 tablespoon whole cumin seeds 1 tablespoon coriander seeds 1 onion, chopped 1 garlic clove, chopped 3 hot peppers of your choice, diced 1 teaspoon sea salt Oil to shallow pan fry   Directions for frying and baking doughnuts. Heat the oil for frying. Place the flour, lentils, chili, spices, salt, ground spices into a blender, and grin

Russia's military presence in Africa is long and historic. The Russian Congo military deal was signed in May 2019 to allow Russia to fix aging African war machines and guns. Russia donated weapons and sent trainers to the African country the Republic of the Congo Brazzaville to assist the government’s fight against militia groups. In the African country the Republic of the Congo Brazzaville,  a military cooperation agreement was signed with Russia in May 2019 providing military specialists to service Russian-made military hardware and equipment.  The government state organization the Congolese Armed Forces  is out armed using aging Russian Soviet-era weapons .  The Russian Congo military deal was signed in May 2019 after talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and  former Marxist  Congolese president Denis Sassou Nguesso.  Sassou Nguesso employs  Private militias, which are are armed military groups that are composed of private citizens and not recognized by federal or state

The Flying Dutchman legend was born in South Africa.  Fear of Dutch sea captains, Cape of Good Hope deadly currents and weather,  seamen superstitions help to spread the fear of the flying Dutchman. Before Spongebob Squarepants met the Flying Dutchman, in South Africa in 1689 on the Cape of Good Hope the legend of the Flying Dutchman began.  The Flying Dutchman is a legendary ghost ship that is said to be cursed to sail the seas forever without ever being able to make port.   The sea is its own kingdom full of supernatural beings, The Flying Dutchman legend was told and retold in South Africa and supernatural appearances are never explained away. The Flying Dutchman In Dutch, a West Germanic language, Der Fliegende Hollander translates to The Flying Dutchman. In the 1600’s, the Netherlands, England, Portugal, and Spain were four colonial superpowers vying for the riches of African trade routes, spices, slaves, gold and minerals. The Dutch from the Netherlands were especially known for