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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.

African Proverbs Are To Speech What Salt Is To Food

African proverbs are important because they teach life lessons in short simple sayings. African proverb wisdom is not the wisdom of the schools but of the village, the farm, and the elder. African proverbs do not have meaning for people who understand learning is not based on someone’s race or class.


African proverbs are wisdom of the heart and head.

African proverbs are wisdom of the heart and head.


Essential lessons learned from African proverbs carry heavy weight in world culture. African proverbs are common African sayings used by honored ancestry. The influence of African proverbs over the hearts and lives of people was second only to the words from Spirits.


Lessons learned from African proverbs.


African Proverbs help people to cope with life and death matters by adding traditional common sense to a complex situation. Few people dare to question the African proverb truthfulness and authority. African proverbs enable people not only to win their independence but also to overcome the many trials and disappointments of life.

Through African proverbs as through African folklore, songs, traditions, rhymes, superstitions, and customs, we trace the moral and ethical development of African wisdom and learn the workings of the mind. 

African Proverbs are used to strengthen social and moral statements in debates, lectures and writings. The widespread wisdom of African proverbs has brought important social and moral messages to the people who struggle in life.

African proverbs are important in African and World culture because African proverbs are to speech what salt is to food, irreplaceable.

Proverbs from Africa contain the essence of moral truth and practical lesson drawn from real life, and the fruit of philosophy grafted on the stem of experience. Below feature sixteen African Proverbs people love and to learn from right now.


African Proverbs Are To Speech What Salt Is To Food


Like the tusk and teeth of an elephant, one set for show and another for use.

The gossip causes the downfall of a kingdom.

However strong the grain, it cannot break the cooking pot.

Wisdom is like a baobab tree; no one individual can embrace it.

If you are filled with pride, then you will have no room for wisdom.

He does a good day’s work who rids himself of a fool.


A snake is never grateful. African proverbs people love.

To wash a donkeys tail is loss of time and soap.

He who loves you loves you with your dirt.

Unstringing the bow does not cure the wound.

The greedy advised to eat with eyes closed before children.

A snake is never grateful.

Born but yesterday and today a giant.

African proverb lesson. Beloved at home, cheap at the market.

The goat has paid with its life, yet its meat is not tasty.

A dog is brave at his own door.

Beloved at home, cheap at the market.

He who has suffered can sympathize with those in pain.


Read short folklore stories from Africa to make you fall in love with myths and legends from the motherland.
  1. Why the bunny rabbit has wiggly slits for a nose
  2. Love Takes No Less Than Everything Marriage Folklore
  3. Hunters Attack Cowards Tell the Story
  4. One Do Wrong All Get Punished
  5. Mighty Little Hedgehog
  6. Blackman and White Snake Folklore Story

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.

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African Studies

African Studies
African Culture and traditions