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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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Iroko Tree African Folklore Story

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The Iroko Tree African Folklore Story


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The Yoruba are one of the three largest ethnic groups of Nigeria and one of the most popular languages spoken outside of Africa. The Iroko tree is one of the most popular Yoruba folklore stories.



The Iroko Tree African Folklore Story

In the forest, there is a giant tree called by the Yoruba’s the “Iroko,” which is shunned by all people, for in it lives the spirit of an old man who prowls about at night with a little torch and frightens travelers.

Anyone who sees the Iroko-man face to face goes mad and speedily dies.

Seeing the thick branches and mighty trunk of the Iroko, woodcutters are often tempted to cut the tree down and make use of the wood, but this is very unlucky, as it rouses the displeasure of the Iroko-man and brings misfortune on the woodcutter and all his family.

In any house which contains furniture made of Iroko-wood, there can be heard at night strange groaning and creaking noises; it is the spirit of the Iroko, imprisoned in the wood, who longs to wander about again through the forest with his little torch. 

The Iroko Tree African Folklore
Translated into the Yoruba language


Ninu igbo, nibẹ ni omiran nla kan ti awọn eniyan Yorùbá pè ni "Iroko," eyi ti o jẹ ti gbogbo eniyan, nitori pe ninu rẹ ni ẹmi ti arugbo kan ti o nrìn ni alẹ pẹlu kekere atupa ati awọn alarinrin awọn ẹru.

Ẹnikẹni ti o ba ri Iroko-eniyan ni oju koju, o nṣiwere, o si kú ni kiakia.

Nigbati o ba ri awọn ẹka ti o nipọn ati ẹhin alagbara ti Iroko, awọn igbasilẹ igi ni igbagbogbo ni idanwo lati ge igi naa si isalẹ ati lati lo igi, ṣugbọn eyi jẹ aanu pupọ, bi o ti fa ibinu ti Iroko-eniyan ati ti o mu ipalara lori woodcutter ati gbogbo ebi rẹ.

Ni eyikeyi ile ti o ni awọn ohun-elo ti Iroko-igi ṣe, a le gbọ ni alẹ ajeji ibanujẹ ati wiwa ariwo; o jẹ ẹmi Iroko, ti a fi sinu tubu, ti o fẹ lati tun rin kiri laarin igbo pẹlu fitila rẹ kekere.

Did you know?
Iroko Tree

Throughout Nigeria and around the world there are over 40 million Yoruba primary and secondary language speakers making it the most widely spoken African language outside Africa.
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.

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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.