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.

Let your bird spirit reveal itself

Let the spirit of the bird you are reveal itself.

Greetings fellow spiritual birdwatchers. In the savanna's, cities and forests of Africa, each unique bird carries its own spirit. Some are bold hunters; others are clever watchers. 

The red-billed quelea Is the most common bird found in Africa.
The red-abilled quelea bird

Answer these questions as a true observer of nature would, and let the spirit of the birds guide you to your own. Keep track of your answers, and you’ll discover the bird that matches the rhythm of your soul.


Which African Spiritual Bird Are You?


Choose the answer that best matches  your preferences or personality.


1. How would you describe yourself in a group?


a) A natural leader, guiding others with confidence.

b) Quiet and observant, noticing everything around you.

c) Sociable and talkative, the life of the party.

d) Independent and prefer to be alone.


2. What kind of environment do you thrive in?


a) Open savannahs and grasslands.

b) Dense forests with lots of hiding spots.

c) Anywhere there’s a community to engage with.

d) Remote and untouched places where few go.


3. What do you value the most?


a) Leadership and responsibility.

b) Patience and strategy.

c) Communication and connection.

d) Freedom and solitude.


4. If faced with a problem, how do you handle it?


a) Take charge and solve it directly.

b) Study it carefully, waiting for the perfect moment to act.

c) Gather input from others and discuss the best solution.

d) Figure it out on your own without relying on others.


5. What’s your preferred way to spend your free time?


a) Exploring new places and setting challenges.

b) Observing nature and keeping a low profile.

c) Socializing and sharing stories with friends.

d) Enjoying some peace and quiet away from crowds.


6. How would others describe you?


a) Bold and charismatic.

b) Clever and strategic.

c) Friendly and approachable.

d) Mysterious and elusive.


7. What’s your favorite way to express yourself?


a) Through actions and achievements.

b) By observing and waiting to make the right move.

c) With words and social interactions.

d) Quietly, through subtle gestures. 


Results


Mostly A’s – You are the African Fish Eagle

You are like the Fish Eagle, powerful and bold. You glide over the rivers and lakes, a true hunter of the water, with a presence that cannot be ignored. You are the leader, brave and confident.




Mostly B’s – You are the Crowned Eagle

With eyes that see what others overlook, you are the Crowned Eagle. A quiet hunter of the forest, your patience and sharp vision make you a feared predator. You choose your moment with great wisdom.





Mostly C’s – You are the Pied Crow

Lively and full of curiosity, you are the Pied Crow. You thrive in community, your voice echoing among the trees. Clever and resourceful, you make friends wherever you go and have a story for every occasion.



.

Mostly D’s – You are the Secretary Bird

The vast open savannah is your domain, and you are the Secretary Bird. A solitary and unique hunter, you walk with grace and precision, keeping your distance from the flock. You are known for your independence and your quiet strength.


Let the spirit of the bird you are reveal itself, which bird are you? Let your fellow spiritual birdwatchers know your results.


You may also be part red-abilled quelea, Africa’s most populous bird.

The red-abilled quelea, small and unassuming, moves as one with the great flock, reminding us that in the unity of many, there lies a strength greater than any individual’s. 

Like the quelea, humanity finds its true power not in isolation, but in the shared rhythm of community, where each tiny voice, when joined with others, can move the sky.
Two red-abilled quelea
Two red-abilled quelea

Let your bird spirit reveal itself

Week’s Best African Culture Posts

Kru Tribe Fine Boy Tradition

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Dream-nightmare story from the Kru people of Liberia: the newly chosen Fine Boy is temporarily celebrated with fanfare and pleasure. Kru Tribe Fine Boy Tradition Fascinating stories emerged during the Pepper Coast's glory days. Beginning in the 15th century, European traders established outposts along the Liberian coastline, drawn by its wealth of humans, spices, and other commodities.  Centuries later, in the 19th century, the American Colonization Society (ACS) founded settlements in Liberia and began journalling native stories.  Among these tales is a dream-nightmare story from the Kru people of Liberia, a story so intriguing it almost seems too good to be true because, in some ways, it is.   The Kru women periodically held elections to select a young, handsome man as their “Fine Boy.” The announcement of his selection was celebrated with a vibrant procession featuring music, singing, and dancing.  The newly chosen Fine Boy was placed at the front of the para...
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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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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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