One of the foundations of the African concept of harmony and peace rests upon the basic African cultural world-view of the philosophy of participation and integration. There is no drastic distinction between man and nature. The theory of knowledge that the African cultural experience projects, is that the world is centered upon the self and that man lives in a personal world of culture. The African culture does not assume that reality can be perceived through reason alone. There are other modes of knowing, such as, imagination, intuitive experience, and personal feelings. Various African tribes have a rich oral tradition and mythology that goes either in the form of songs or speeches and legends are an important part of that tradition. This is why the deepest expression of the African cultural reality has been through art, myths, and music rather than through the more logical analysis.
African culture can be divided into two broad groups, North African and Sub-Saharan African culture. Various African tribes have a highly advanced tradition of arts and handicrafts. In particular, African masks often incorporate sophisticated designs and represent an important contribution to African culture. Shells, are often used by various African cultures and tribes as jewelry. In many African cultures, the amount of beads worn is a measure of wealth and social status. In addition, wearing neck ornaments and beads is thought to give one strong ritual power, in addition to enhancing the women’s esthetics and beauty As is common among most indigenous tribal cultures, folklores and folktales represent an important part of African culture. One important part of African culture is the cuisine which traditionally is a combination of native fruits and vegetables, dairy and native wild games. Alcoholic beverages are common among various African cultures and a common alcoholic drink in Sub-Saharan Africa is an Ethiopian wine called "Tej, palmwine and wines from grapes."Wild games are commonly consumed by most African tribes. Domestic animals such as sheep, goats and cattle are often used as currency and therefore are not constantly consumed in many African cultures.Some of the most popular beverages in the world has its origin in African culture; coffee is native to Africa and is thought to have been first cultivated by Ethiopians.. Later the African tradition of drinking coffee was spread to Arabia and later became common worldwide. Another important influence of African culture on the world is its music, rhythms and dances have had a profound influence on entertainment the world over.
Culinary The food and drinks of Africa reflects local influences, and also glimpses of colonial traditions, including uses of food products like peppers, peanuts and maize. The African cuisine is a combination of traditional fruits and vegetables, milk,fish and meat products. The African village diet is often milk, curds, whey and corn paps. Exotic games, chicken and fish are gathered from Africa's vast areas. Traditional ways of cooking sometimes involve steaming in leaf wrappers (banana or corn husks), boiling, frying in oil, grilling, roasting, or baking in ashes. Africans normally cook outdoors or in a buildings separate from the living quarters. A more traditional African kitchen have three stones arranged around a fire place. The food culture and eating habit of old times still exists today in some of its many regions,like eating with wooden spoons or bare- hands, and this is important to the outside world. It is generally considered rude in Africa to talk or laugh loud while eating.And water has a very strong ritual significance in African community, its often the first thing an African host will offer a guest. Fruits, nuts, and hot spicy snacks, are eaten between meals or are served as appetizers, but traditionally most African dishes are served at the same time rather than in courses.
A delicious Central African salad recipe: Caution: Very hot and spicy!
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Spicy eggs and peanuts salad with black olives |
Ingredients
to serve 6
¼ cup of olive
1 dl olive oil
¼ cup unsalted and peeled peanuts
1 db birds eye chili chopped
2 small size white onion finely chopped
3 cloves of garlic finely chopped
½ tbspoon grinded red pepper
½ teaspoon grinded ginger
2 pinch of ground chili powder
5 balls hard boiled eggs diced
2 cherry tomatoes,quartered
1 coriander bunch,finely chopped
1 teaspoon soja sauce
½ dl lime juice
½ teaspoon salt
Preparation
In
a moderate size frying pan, heat up a 2 tablespoon of oliveoil under a
very low heat.Add peanuts and fry to golden brown(3-5 mins).Mix the
finely chopped chili, onion, garlic then fry until onion is
transparent.Add the ground pepper,ginger and chili powder,add a little
water and steam about 2mins.Remove from fire and pour into a mixing bowl
add the diced tomatoes olives,coriander,soja sauce,lime juice,diced
eggs and 2 tablespoon oliveoil,then salt to taste.Serve in room a
temperature.Consume as an appetizer before a main course or on its
own.Enjoy
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