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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 archive work is cited by universities, Wikipedia, major news outlets, and global food writers.

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Mind elevation wise sayings and proverbs

Prepare the mind for elevation with 45 African wise sayings and proverbs.


The tongue breaks bones though it has none. There is throughout Africa a large collection of wise sayings and proverbs. African proverbs embrace the wide range of human strokes of genius. They enchant with irony, humor, mischievousness, the grace of imagery, and the tenderness of emotion. 


Before healing others, heal yourself African saying proverbs

Forty-Five random African wise sayings and proverbs


He who enters the home of a prostitute enters not to say his prayers.


By going and coming a bird builds its nest.


By blackening another, you do not whiten yourself.


Poverty makes a man a slave.


He that forgives gains the victory.


The moon does not grow full in a day.


The pearl lies at the bottom of the sea, while the corpse floats on the surface.


The way through the challenge and to get unstuck is to be still, run your favorite African proverb repeatedly in your mind and then ask yourself what is the next right move. 


Do the next right move and then from that make the next might move and the next right move. 


Use African proverbs and not to be overwhelmed by life because you know your life is bigger than that one moment.


A good name makes one sleep well.


The thief catches himself.


Misery in the house where the hen crows and the cock keeps silent.


Famine dwells in the house of the quarrelsome.


Who has patience has all things.


Stolen goods do not make one grow.


Before healing others, heal yourself.


A lent knife does not come back alone.


While two women in the same house will agree together like two cats over a mouse or two dogs over a bone.


He dreads a worm who has been bitten by a serpent.


Know you are not defined by what somebody says is a failure for you because failure is just there to point you in a different direction. 


Through African proverbs, I've learned to appreciate living in the moment and keep a grateful heart. 


Learn what you are grateful for and what it will begin to do is to change your perspective of your day and your life.


Focus on what you have you will always see that the cosmos is plentiful and you will have more if you are grateful and focus your life on what you do have.


If the camel once gets his nose in a tent, his body will soon follow.


He is a fool whose sheep run away twice


A man without enemies is like a river without stones.


Poverty destroys a man's reputation.


The law turns on golden wheels.


A man must cut out his own garments of reputation.


The cure for anger is silence.


A high name is better than a high house.


Anger benefits no one.


When a fish is killed its tail is inserted in its own mouth.

African proverb Little by little a little becomes a lot.

Poverty has no kin.


Hate has no medicine.


A poor man's pipe does not sound.


It is better to die of want than to beg.


Heaven is at the feet of the poor man.


Two crocodiles do not live in one hole.


A crab does not bring forth a bird.


The tracks of the antelope are lost in that of the elephant.


It is not known what calf the cow will have.


Bad as it is to be a thief, it is worse to be known as one.


Misery in the house where the hen crows and the cock keeps silent.

Little by little a little becomes a lot.


You cannot stop the sun by standing before it.


A razor cannot shave itself.


The path is made by walking.


He who burnt himself with soup blows on milk.

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African Gourmet FAQ

Archive Inquiries

Why "The African Gourmet" if you're an archive?

The name reflects our origin in 2006 as a culinary anthropology project. Over 18 years, we've evolved into a comprehensive digital archive preserving Africa's cultural narratives. "Gourmet" now signifies our curated approach to cultural preservation—each entry carefully selected and contextualized.

What distinguishes this archive from other cultural resources?

We maintain 18 years of continuous cultural documentation—a living timeline of African expression. Unlike static repositories, our archive connects historical traditions with contemporary developments, showing cultural evolution in real time.

How is content selected for the archive?

Our curation follows archival principles: significance, context, and enduring value. We preserve both foundational cultural elements and timely analyses, ensuring future generations understand Africa's complex cultural landscape.

What geographic scope does the archive cover?

The archive spans all 54 African nations, with particular attention to preserving underrepresented cultural narratives. Our mission is comprehensive cultural preservation across the entire continent.

Can researchers access the full archive?

Yes. As a digital archive, we're committed to accessibility. Our 18-year collection is fully searchable and organized for both public education and academic research.

How does this archive ensure cultural preservation?

Through consistent documentation since 2006, we've created an irreplaceable cultural record. Each entry is contextualized within broader African cultural frameworks, preserving not just content but meaning.