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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.

Sankofa African Proverbs

Sankofa teaches how to productively learn from the past and developing oneself.

Learning from experiences is one of the ways in which we decide if experience may frighten us, weaken us or make us self-doubt, but it may also make us stronger. Sankofa teaches there are valuable lessons to be learned from the past.

Sankofa African Proverbs on learning from experience; knowledge is a personal characteristic that allow us to look at the past in order to see the future.

Learn from Experience African Proverbs

It is not always the one who speaks the loudest who wins the dispute.
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Learn from Experience Sankofa African Proverbs

Those who use their teeth for climbing know which trees are bitter.

It is not always the one who speaks the loudest who wins the dispute.

One who makes soup does not know what one who pounds yam experiences.

When a snail crawls, it pulls its shell along with it.

If the hand opens the door, the mouth will claim responsibility.

What is Sankofa?
Sankofa is an African word from the Akan tribe in Ghana. The literal translation of the word and the symbol is “Se wo were fi na wosankofa a yenkyi", “it is not taboo to go back to the past and bring forward that which is useful.”

The Sankofa word is derived from the Twi language words:
SAN (return),
KO (go),
FA (look, seek and take).

Sankofa symbolizes learn from experience and quest for knowledge based on examination and investigation of your past to learn from the good and bad experiences.

Sankofa


Sankofa African Proverbs

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  5. Three African Tribes Hair Ceremonies Traditions and Rituals

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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.

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Light African snack spicy popcorn

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African Studies

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African Culture and traditions