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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 archive work is cited by universities, Wikipedia, major news outlets, and global food writers.

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Mothers and Children African Proverbs We Treasure

God Couldn’t Be Everywhere — So He Created Mothers

Mother carrying her child on her back — African motherhood and care across generations

Mother carry me; I will carry you as well in the future.

Mothers and Children — African Proverbs We Treasure

If the herders are lost, the sheep will get lost. — African Proverb

A small hole not mended in time will become a big hole, much more difficult to mend. — African Proverb

Work the clay while it is still wet. — African Proverb

Love has twenty pairs of eyes. — African Proverb

Trust is built and maintained by many small actions over time. — African Proverb

Love, like rain, does not choose the grass on which it falls. — African Proverb

A child can ask questions that a wise man cannot answer. — African Proverb

Honor a child and he will honor you. — African Proverb

If the herders are lost the sheep will get lost — African Proverb

Motherhood — Wisdom Across Africa

A child may have too much of its mother's blessing. — African Proverb

Wars are always detested by mothers. — African Proverb

Children suck the mother when they are young, and the father when they are old. — African Proverb

Our mothers give to our spirit heat, our fathers light. — African Proverb

Diligence is the mother of good fortune. — African Proverb

Education begins at the mother's knee; every word she speaks shapes character. — African Proverb

God pardons like a mother — who kisses the offense into everlasting forgetfulness. — African Proverb

Happy is the boy whose mother tires of nonsense before he is old enough to know sense. — African Proverb

If mothers take no care for the future, they will soon have sorrow for the present. — African Proverb

Prosperity should not forget father and mother. — African Proverb

One good mother is worth a hundred teachers

Reflections on Mothers and Their Legacy

Like mother, like daughter. — African Proverb

Men are what their mothers made them. — African Proverb

Nature sent women into the world so they might be mothers and nurture children. — African Proverb

No father or mother thinks their child ugly. — African Proverb

One good mother is worth a hundred teachers. — African Proverb

The future destiny of a child is often shaped by the mother’s hand. — African Proverb

The mother's heart is always with her children. — African Proverb

The mother's heart is always with her children

Across Africa, motherhood is celebrated through story, proverb, and song. These sayings remind us that mothers are teachers, protectors, and visionaries — shaping families and communities with quiet strength. They are the first storytellers, the first comforters, and often the foundation of a child’s future.

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Recipes Explain Politics

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

Africa Worldwide: Top Reads

African Gourmet FAQ

Archive Inquiries

Why "The African Gourmet" if you're an archive?

The name reflects our origin in 2006 as a culinary anthropology project. Over 18 years, we've evolved into a comprehensive digital archive preserving Africa's cultural narratives. "Gourmet" now signifies our curated approach to cultural preservation—each entry carefully selected and contextualized.

What distinguishes this archive from other cultural resources?

We maintain 18 years of continuous cultural documentation—a living timeline of African expression. Unlike static repositories, our archive connects historical traditions with contemporary developments, showing cultural evolution in real time.

How is content selected for the archive?

Our curation follows archival principles: significance, context, and enduring value. We preserve both foundational cultural elements and timely analyses, ensuring future generations understand Africa's complex cultural landscape.

What geographic scope does the archive cover?

The archive spans all 54 African nations, with particular attention to preserving underrepresented cultural narratives. Our mission is comprehensive cultural preservation across the entire continent.

Can researchers access the full archive?

Yes. As a digital archive, we're committed to accessibility. Our 18-year collection is fully searchable and organized for both public education and academic research.

How does this archive ensure cultural preservation?

Through consistent documentation since 2006, we've created an irreplaceable cultural record. Each entry is contextualized within broader African cultural frameworks, preserving not just content but meaning.