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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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Anansi Short African Story for Kids

Anansi Short African Story for Kids.


Anansi is a tricky spider who gets into all sorts of trouble in African Folklore stories.

About Anansi.

Anansi African folktale is a story forming part of an oral storytelling tradition shaped by the tongues of African elders passed down from one generation to the next. Folktales reflect the morals, superstitions, and customs of the African people.

Anansi is a tricky spider who gets into all sorts of trouble. The word Anansi is Akan simply meaning spider. Anansi is an exceedingly popular folktale character whose stories are told and retold in West Africa and Jamaica.

The Anansi tales are believed to have originated by the Ashanti people of Ghana. In the southern United States of America, Anansi's name evolved into the beloved Aunt Nancy stories.


Anansi and the Old Lady’s Field Story.

One day there was an old lady work a very nice field on a rock, And an old-witch boy is the watchman.

And one day Anansi heard about the old-witch boy, And Anansi sends And invites him to his yard. And when the old-witch boy come, Anansi asks him what his name. And he says to Anansi that his name is John-John Fe-We-Hall.

And the boy asks Anansi why he ask him like that.

And Anansi say:—"Don't be afraid my friend', I very love you; that's why I ask when your name."

And by this time the old lady didn't know that the old-witch boy gone to Anansi yard.

And Anansi have a son is a very clever thief, call Tacoma.

And Anansi made a bargain that, when he sees John-John Fe-We-Hall come, he must walk to the back door And come out, And go to the old lady ground And destroy the provision.

And when Tacoma come home, Anansi leave John-John out the hall And tell him that he is going to get some breakfast for him.

Now the old lady make a law that, if the watchman eat any of his provision, it going to make him sick in a way that he will find out if it is the same watchman thieving him.

And being the boy is old-witch, he knows that the food Anansi is getting ready is from the old lady field. Therefore, when Anansi bring breakfast he won't eat it.

Anansi tell him that he must eat the food, he must not be afraid.

And the boy say:—"No."

And Anansi send And tell the old lady that the man is here clever more than him.

And when the old lady receive the message from Anansi, he sent to the ground to tell the old-witch boy that he must look out for Mr. Anansi, for him receive a chance from Anansi.

And this time the old lady didn't know that the watchman is at Anansi yard.

And the old-witch the boy is a flutter, And when the old lady wants to dance it's the same boy playing for the old lady. And the old lady has a tune which he is dancing with. And Anansi asks the boy to play the tune when he is going home, And Anansi knows if the tune plays the old lady will dance till she kills herself.

When the boy going home, he took up his songs with the flute:

Old lady you too love dance, turn them,
Old lady you too love dance, turn them,
Turn them make them lay, turn them,
Turn them make them lay, turn them.

And when the old lady hear the song she begins to dance And wheel until she tumbles off the rock And dead.

And Anansi becomes the master of the field until now.

Up next.
Have you ever wondered about How the baboon’s bottom got swollen and red. an African folktale.

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.