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About the Author

Ivy is the researcher and writer behind The African Gourmet, blending African food, history, and cultural storytelling. Her work is cited by universities, Wikipedia, major news outlets, and global food writers.

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African Adinkra Symbol

Tabono is an African Adinkra symbol whose secret meaning is strength, persistence, and hard work.

Tabono Adinkra Symbol

Adinkra Symbol Tabono Symbol Meaning

Adinkra symbols are pictures that narrate a history, belief or philosophy.

West African Adinkra symbols represent ideas, proverbs, expressions, attitudes, and behavior depicted in simply drawn figure, think of it as a way of writing in code. The secret language of Adinkra symbols recounts the values and principles of the West African Asante people.

Adinkra symbol tabono symbol meaning is strength, persistence, and hard work, tabobo is four paddles or oars. Tabono teaches you cannot have a million-dollar dream with a minimum wage work ethic.

Tabono strength, persistence and hard work proverbs, quotes, and sayings

Tabono is an African Adinkra symbol whose meaning is strength, persistence, and hard work. The symbol teaches us that the mind is attracted by what is wise and strong and has no pleasure in foolish things.

The study of proverbs, quotes and sayings are one of exceeding interest and value. Few and precious are the words which the lips of the wise speak. The thoughts of people on the great problems that confront the world show us we are strikingly one.

The Tabono strength, persistence and hard work proverbs, quotes and sayings were as deeply understood 5,000 years ago as today, and the worn expression of these truths, preserved into warning, encouragement, or reprimand, is a part of the equipment of life.

Strength

All strength lies within, not without.

Although men are accused of not knowing their weakness, yet perhaps as few know their strength.

Honesty gives wings to strength.

Cunning surpasses strength.

Loss of strength is more frequently due to the faults of youth than of old age.

Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body.

Every joy that comes to us is only to strengthen us for some greater work that is to succeed.

Every time you forgive a man, you weaken him and strengthen yourself.

Great is the strength of an individual soul true to its high trust; mighty is it, even to the redemption of a world.

Persistence

Persistence is the first condition of all fruitfulness in the ways of humanity.

Persistence in change.

Truth is a stronghold, and persistence is laying siege to it; so that it must observe all the avenues and passes to it.

What we hope ever to do with ease we may learn first to do with diligence.

Persistence is the mother of good fortune.

Persistence is of no use where luck is wanting.

Few things are impossible to persistence and skill.

Genius is nothing but labor and persistence.

The opinions of men are as many and as different as their persons; the greatest persistence and most practical conduct can never please them all.

Hard Work

Hard work is still the road to prosperity, and there is no other.

Hard work is the source of virtue.

Hunger is the best sauce.

The hard work of life alone teaches us to value the good things of life.

He that works hard and perseveres spins gold.

Hard work is no disgrace.

Every great mind seeks to work hard for eternity. All men are captivated by immediate advantages; great minds alone are excited by the prospect of distant good.

Nothing falls into the mouth of a sleeping lion.

Everything is sweetened by hard work.

Did you know? Adinkra symbols are pictures that relate to the history, beliefs and philosophy of the Ashanti people. Adinkra symbols are well-known visual symbols that have a hidden meaning, deciphering Adinkra symbols is the same as reading a sentence as long as you know what is the symbols true meaning.

I grew up in poverty, but I always saw it as a challenge. The good thing is that you can surmount a challenge if you are willing to pay the price. The price is hard work.

– Dr. Reginald Abraham Mengi, Tanzania media mogul

“Be prepared to sacrifice, and work harder than you’ve ever thought possible. Be prepared to work around the clock, to be laughed at, called a dreamer, and to be told several times that your ideas will not work.”  — Nkemdilim Begho, Future Software Resources Limited, Nigeria “Business is always a struggle. There are always obstacles and competitors. There is never an open road, except the wide road that leads to failure. Every great success has always been achieved by fight, every winner has scars. The men who succeed are the efficient few –they are the few who have the ambition and will-power to develop themselves. So choose to be among the few today.” – Chris Kirubi, Centum Investment, Kenya

“I am guided each day by these three questions: ‘What are you fixing?’ ‘What are you making?’ and ‘Who are you helping? 

— Juliana Rotich, Ushahidi, Kenya

“Everything is possible. Impossible just takes a little longer.” — Wendy Ackerman, Pick n Pay South Africa
Tabono is an Adinkra symbol whose secret meaning is strength, persistence, and hard work
Tabono Adinkra Symbol

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Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=
The African Gourmet explores how African food, history, and science intertwine. Here, a plant is a healer, a story is a map, and the kitchen is a laboratory. I’m Ivy — a writer raised by historians, now sharing Africa’s wisdom from the U.S. through cookbooks, cultural research, and storytelling. If you’re curious about where flavor meets memory, you belong here.

Recipes Explain Politics

🍚

🍚 When Rice Recipes Become Revolution

What if your grandmother's rice recipe could explain the Liberian Rice Riots of 1979?

"In Liberia, rice isn't just food—it's life, identity, and sovereignty. When the government proposed raising rice prices in 1979, they weren't just adjusting economics; they were threatening every grandmother's ability to feed her family according to traditions passed down for generations. The riot that followed wasn't about politics—it was about the sacred right to cook your family's rice recipe."

🍲 The Deeper Recipe:

  • Ingredients: Colonial trade patterns + Urbanization + Economic inequality
  • Preparation: Political disconnect from daily survival needs
  • Serving: 40+ deaths, regime destabilization, and a warning about ignoring cultural fundamentals

This is African Gourmet analysis: understanding how the food in grandmother's pot connects to the protests in the streets. The recipes we inherit carry not just flavor, but the entire history of our political and economic struggles.

Understanding Africa through the stories our food tells • Since 2006

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African Gourmet FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why "The African Gourmet" if you cover more than just food?

Great question! While many associate "gourmet" exclusively with cuisine, its true meaning is "a connoisseur" – someone with refined taste and deep expertise. For over 18 years, I've served as a gourmet of African culture at large, savoring and presenting the continent's rich history, vibrant traditions, timeless wisdom, and contemporary stories with the same discerning palate one would apply to fine food. The name reflects my commitment to curating Africa's cultural wealth with authority and passion.

What makes The African Gourmet different from other culture sites?

With 18 years of consistent publishing, I offer depth and continuity that's rare online. I don't just report on African culture – I contextualize it, connecting traditional wisdom with modern realities, and food with folklore, politics, and daily life. It's a holistic view of Africa's past, present, and future, all through the lens of a seasoned cultural storyteller.

How do you choose what to write about?

My content selection is driven by a desire to showcase Africa's incredible diversity and challenge stereotypes. I balance covering foundational cultural elements (like proverbs and recipes) with timely analysis of current events (like the AGOA trade agreement). The goal is always to educate and illuminate the complex, dynamic realities of the African continent.

Do you focus on specific regions of Africa?

My coverage spans the entire continent – from North to South, East to West. While certain stories may focus on specific countries or regions, my mission is to represent the breathtaking diversity of 54 countries and thousands of cultures. I make a conscious effort to include both well-known and underrepresented cultures in my work.

Can I request a topic or contribute to the site?

I welcome thoughtful topic suggestions from engaged readers! While I maintain editorial control to ensure quality and consistency, I'm always interested in hearing what aspects of African culture you're curious about. Feel free to reach out through my contact page with your ideas.

How can I support The African Gourmet's work?

The greatest support is engaged readership – sharing articles you find valuable, participating in discussions, and helping spread cultural understanding. Following the blog and sharing it with others who would appreciate this unique perspective on Africa helps this 18-year labor of love continue to grow and reach new audiences.