Donate to Save Human History

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.

Weeping for Thousands of Years | Crying Stone of Ilesi

The crying stone of Ilesi, some African myths are real.

The Crying Stones of Ilesi located in Kakamega County of western Kenya is about 18 miles or 30 km north of the Equator. Kakamega County is Kenya's second most populous country after Nairobi. Ilesi was so named because the word kakamega translates roughly to pinch in the Kiluhyah African language. Kakamega was used to describe how white European colonists would eat the Kenya national food dish ugali. 
The crying stone of Ilesi, some African myths are real.
Dry your tears dear Ilesi

To the Luhya tribe of Kakamega, who are mainly 

farmers and fishers, the 131 foot or 40 meters Crying Stone of Ilesi will forever be a sacred and a revered part their everyday lives because it has supernatural powers.  The stone is a place of rituals, healing, resolution, cleansing, and sacrifice. Luhya tribe believes that when the stone cries it is a sign that good things are about to happen. When there is drought, the Luhya performs rituals to bring rain.

Luhya legend has it, a wife left her husband for another man and the heartbroken husband has not stopped crying to this very day. 

Scientists believe the Ilesi stone cries because a large depression behind the smaller stone collects water and from time to time cascades down the large stone giving the impression of the stone weeping.  However, scientists explain the Ilesi stone cries no more in the rainy season and in times of drought because of locals planting eucalyptus trees around the stone. 

Eucalyptus trees are invasive trees in Kenya, sucking up the groundwater around the stone. The heartbroken husband has, therefore, stopped crying for the moment.

Some myths are real, it is difficult to separate myths from the facts about the Crying Stone of Ilesi when the Luhya tribe of Kakamega believes the stone has otherworldly powers. 


Together we build awareness that boost harmony, education, and success, below are more links to articles you will find thought provoking.

  1. African Country Names Your Saying Wrong
  2. What do Waist Beads Symbolize in Africa?
  3. About African Healers and Witchdoctors
  4. Hurricanes are Angry African Ancestors
  5. Highest Temperature and Lowest Temperature in Africa
  6. 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.

⋯ ✦ ⋯

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