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The African Gourmet: Folktales, Cuisine & Cultural History

Explore Africa’s Heritage

Explore tales that carry Africa’s wisdom, courage, and humor. From river spirits to trickster animals, every story holds a lesson.

From hearty stews to fragrant grains, experience traditional African recipes and the history behind every dish.

Ancient African proverbs and modern interpretations — explore the wisdom passed down through generations.

Dive into Africa’s kingdoms, independence stories, and modern milestones that shape the continent today.

How to Tie an African Head Wrap

How to Tie an African Head Wrap

5 Different African head wrapping styles to rock the gele African chic style!


Cute kids know how to rock African head wraps


There are countless styles of African head wrapping, it may take a couple of tries but you will be an expert in no time. 

In Africa, the head wrap worn by women for special occasions, weddings, ceremonies, burials, church services, and special celebrations, for everyday wear or as a crown.

The African head wrap draws the eye up, rather than down. African women wear head wraps as a queen wears a crown. 

The African head wrap represents far more than a piece of fabric on the head of a female. African head wraps are a common site throughout Southern and Western Africa. 

In West Africa, Nigeria, head wraps are called gele, in Malawi Duku and in Zimbabwe dhuku.

All you need is a large piece of oblong fabric or scarf and your two hands. Wrapping a headscarf is easy; just follow the steps in the video below. 



African women wear head wraps as a queen wears a crown.


How to Tie an African Head Wrap


Getting to Know more about Africa

African Country Names Your Saying Wrong
What do Waist Beads Symbolize in Africa?
About African Healers and Witchdoctors
Hurricanes are Angry African Ancestors
Highest Temperature and Lowest Temperature in Africa
About African Night Running

Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=

How Are You Feeling Today? Find an African Proverb or Story to Match Your Mood

How Are You Feeling Today?

Type or tap a mood. Your storyteller returns a proverb, mini-folktale, recipe, cooking activity, and a cultural note.

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Folklore Meets Science

Folklore Meets Science
African stories that explain the universe

African Gourmet FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The African Gourmet blog about?

The African Gourmet explores African food, history, and culture through recipes, folktales, and proverbs written for curious readers worldwide.

Who writes The African Gourmet?

The blog is written and curated by Ivy, a lifelong historian and storyteller who highlights Africa’s culinary and cultural richness.

How can I find African recipes on this site?

Use the “African Recipes” category or explore posts like African Recipes for regional dishes and ingredients.

Can I share or reprint your articles?

You may share articles with attribution and a link back to The African Gourmet. Reprinting in print or commercial use requires permission.

Where can I learn more about African proverbs and folklore?

Explore our African Proverbs and African Folktales sections for timeless wisdom and stories.

African Gourmet Newsletter

Light African snack spicy popcorn

Join The African Gourmet Newsletter

Join our African Gourmet Newsletter to get new folktales, recipes, and history every month.

Includes a light snack idea every month 🍊

African Studies

African Studies
African Culture and traditions