Study of Vultures in African Proverbs

In the study of African Proverbs, vultures are depicted as wise, patient creatures embodying life even in the face of death. These 20 proverbs from African cultures across Africa reflect the vulture's role as a scavenger and its metaphorical ties to valuable life lessons such as patience, adaptability, precognition, and growth despite death.

In some African cultures, specific parts of vultures are used in traditional medicine and for spiritual or ritual purposes. Medicinally, vulture-based remedies are used to enhance fertility in women and treat conditions such as blurred vision, earaches, toothaches, and anemia. Mystically, they are believed to bring wealth, boost business success, attract customers, ward off evil spells, ensure longevity, bring good luck, grant supernatural strength, and enable spell-casting.

The Wisdom of Vultures: Lessons from African Proverbs

Do Not Look Down on the Vulture

In African proverbs, the vulture reminds us not to judge a being solely by its outward actions. While its role as a scavenger may seem unglamorous, it fulfills a vital purpose.

African Proverbs of Foresight and Omens of Vultures.

Vultures symbolize the ability to predict events and interpret signs of change.

"Where the vulture circles, the wise know the end is near." -Zimbabwe

"When vultures gather, they foresee a feast." -Nigeria

"When vultures gather, there is meat nearby." -Botswana

"The vulture may not sing, but its presence tells the story of death." -Nigeria

Patience and Timing.

Vultures exemplify the virtue of waiting for the right moment to act.

"The vulture waits for patience to serve its meal." -Mali

"The vulture is never in a hurry; it knows there will always be food." -Swahili

"The vulture does not eat until it is sure the lion is done." -East Africa

Vultures Teach Adaptability and Opportunity.

Vultures show how to thrive by finding value in situations others overlook.

"A vulture is not troubled by a carcass." -East Africa

"The vulture lands where the buffalo falls." -Kenya

"The vulture does not feast without the death of another." -Swahili

Vultures Test Boundaries and Limits.

Vultures demonstrate an understanding of their environment and their limits within it.

"Even the vulture knows the sky is not limitless." -Ghana

"Even a vulture knows where its wings will not carry it." -Sudan

"The vulture may soar high, but its heart remains on the ground." -Kenyan

"Vultures and hawks don't dine together." -Somali

Vultures Cleanliness, Dignity, and Role.

Vultures play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance while embodying dignity in their purpose.

"When the vulture eats, it wipes its beak clean." -Ghana

"The vulture says it is not its nature to hunt but to clean up after others." -Nigeria

"No vulture abandons a feast because of the crowd." Zimbabwe

"The vulture does not stop circling until it sees the carcass." -South Africa

Did you know?

In Magico-traditional medicine, Vutures for belief-based practice are hugely popular. Magico-traditional medicine refers to a system of healing that combines natural remedies with spiritual and supernatural practices.

In Côte d’Ivoire West African traditions, vulture parts are believed to possess spiritual powers, such as enhancing clairvoyance, providing protection against evil spirits, or bringing good luck. Vulture parts commonly used are feathers, legs, head, heart, stomach, brain, and excrement. Unfortunately, this demand for vulture parts has led to the decline of the Hooded Vulture and the White-headed Vulture in Côte d’Ivoire, around the Comoé National Park.

Have you ever wondered
Why you do not tell the person who is carrying you that he stinks? Well, read this true African proverb to find out why.

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Reference

Asso, A. A., Koné, A., & Salewski, V. (2024). Cultural attitudes and human pressure towards vultures around the Comoé National Park, Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa). Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 20, 30. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-024-00657-0

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