LITTLE BLUE BOOK NO. CAC; Edited by £. Haldeman-Julius wvfO Proverbs of West Africa Compiled by C. J. Bender LITTLE BLUE BOOK NO. 505 Edited by E. Haldeman-JuUus Proverbs of West Africa C. J.| pender^ HALDEMAN-JULIUS COMPANY GIRARD, KANSAS Copyright, 1924, Haldeman-Julius Company. Northwestern University Library PROVERBS OF WEST AFRICA (Wit and Wisdom of the Bantu Tribes), Collected and Translated Into English by C. J. BENDER For Twenty Years a Missionary in West Africa INTRODUCTION He who would understand a people must study its literature. Where we have to deal with so-called "primitive" peoples a study of their folklore, more particularly their proverbs, will be a means in discovering the underlying motives that actuate them in their every day life. In this sense the col¬ lection of African proverbs presented in this little volume will, I am sure, prove both interesting and helpful. In them the natives give themselves as they are, thus enabling us, in a measure at least, to become acquainted with their aims and ambition's, their desires, pre¬ dilections and hopes. They also give us an idea of the African's way of do¬ ing and of looking at things. The psyche of the Africans is not easily fathomed. Even one who has lived among them for years will again and again meet with surprises as far as their character and ways are concerned. And yet, after all, the Africans have much, very much, in common with us. 6 PROVERBS OF WEST AFRICA as the wit and wisdom expressed in their proverbs will show. It is time for us to get away from the notion that they are an inferior and barbaric race. In more than one sense we whites are less civilized and more barbaric than •they. Then we must bear in mind that the Africans'have a somewhat different type of civilization, suited to their racial peculiarities, and in harmony with social and climatic conditions. All this must be understood in order to be ap¬ preciated. In a special sense this is true of the Bantu, that great family of peoples which today inhabits nearly two-thirds of the African continent. C. J. B. PROVERBS OF WEST AFRICA The egg gives the hen instruction in* brooding. # # ^ , A wild pig will not readily devour a centipede. 0 # ^ A sheep that bites off its own tail shames the entire family (the misdeeds of one affect all). 0 ^0 0 Do not build your hope upon the word of any man- (and you will not be disap¬ pointed). Aftk 0 0 0 A cock is not supposed to crow for the whole town (a stranger should not' have it all to say). 0 0 0 Do not expect to come into a herit¬ age by coughing (one must belong to the clan). 8 PROVERBS OP WEST JLFRICA Quality and quantity of an empty calabash! ^ ® ^ Filthy water cannot be washed. # # • A man who is abused on the street returns to his home. But where shall a man go who is being abused in his own home? © ® ^ Silence is might. At meal-time "Yes!" When duty calls "No!" Do not detain your brother-in-law from work—it may rain. Many han(l^ will accomplish some¬ thing; Help your neighbor, but do not kill yourself thereby. PROVERBS- OF WEST AFRICA 9 To push a canoe through the mud is not as hard as it seems. ^ ' The monkey learns to jump by try¬ ing again and again. # # # "I scratch the ground with both feet," said the hen. "If I do not find anything with one foot, I certainly shall with the other." A*M. AMJL ^ ^ ^ Quick feet and busy hands fill the mouth. Don't attempt to carry water in a basket! 0 # # A goat will not feed long at the same place. # # # A' turtle is not sold in a bag. Ignorance and want are allies. 10 PROVERBS OP WEST AFRICA The bottom of a canoe will never complain about the water. The hawk will forget, but not the hen (who was robbed of her chicks). # # # To have a stomach (admit to be hungry) is no cause to be ashamed. The heart is never satisfied. 0 ^ " Planting bulrushes in a swamp (Tak¬ ing coals to Newcastle). 0 # # Pus will not flow from a boil you do not have (Beware of scandal! Allow no stranger to glimpse into your private life). # # ^ Reprove a rich man, but do not kill him (because the community needs him). 0 # ^ A big dog and a little dog will not quarrel over a bone. PROVERBS OF WEST AFRICA 11 "The path does not end at the dung¬ hill," said the cock (a courageous man cannot be discouraged by an unpleas¬ ant experience). Even the best cooking-pot will not produce food. . ^ # Honest as the devil himself! # # 0 A hen that is being fed on corn (a man who earns a good living-wage) is satisfied. 0 # # If you have bought a new basket (married another wife) then do not speak despicably of the old one (which for a long time has served you well). # # # Poison should be tried out on a frog. # # ^ If you do not succeed (at fishing) when the water is low, you will surely make up (your loss in business) at the return of the tide. 12 - PROVERBS OF WEST AFRICA The looks of a dog betrays his pedi¬ gree. ^ © Teach the child of the freeborn, and the child 4)f the slave will profit thereby. © ^ 0 An only child (daughter) will not be sold. 0 A dog that ^refuses to eat garbage must go hungry. 0 ^ The crane said to his children: "Out with you! Go and shift for yourself!" ^ ^ # An elephant does not carry heavy on his tusks (It is no burden for a mother to take care of her child). ^ ^ ^ It will never do to have two cocks in the same coop. ® ^ # A man who does not leave his hut will bring nothing in. PROVERBS OE WEST AFRICA / 13 Throwing pebbles at an elephant will in no wise disturb him (the ill wishes of his poorer neighbors do not concern a rich man). ^ ^ ^ A dog does not resent being called a dog. # ^ ^ The head of a guinea-fowl (a noble woman) carries no burden. © ^ ^ The kid will follow the example of the goat and feed on the same grass. ^ # Work is good, but life will draw the limits (Life is more than food or rai¬ ment) . ^ ^ ^ , A coward will never accomplish great things. # ® # Why should the mouth go empty when the hand is filled? (Why not bring your physical life into harmony with your surroundings? Make use of your means.) 14 < PROVERBS OP WEST AFRICA The back brings the stomach in trou¬ ble (because it acts as a check against further expansion or overeating). # # @ No chick will die in the nest (under the fostering care of its mother). © © # Cheat a blind man and fry an egg! (It is a treat to fleece a simple-minded fellow). 0 # # The stomach tells no tale; neither does it betray any man (silent as the grave). ^ ^ W A dog's teeth have no influence on the moon (A man who knows what he wants will simply go ahead). A he-goat will not attack a person lying on the ground (opposition will arouse opposition). ^ ^ ^ ' War is blind. . pRovsnns op west aprica is Differences between contending parties are settled best in the morning. The foolishness of a man will not be¬ come known as quickly as that of a woman. ^ ^ ^ A prison has no regard for the rela¬ tives of its inmates. ® ^ Another's possessions are of little use (when your own are gone). # # Do not seek the company of a rich, man (if you are poor) and you need not eat chicken-claws (be humiliated). 0 ^ # No cow will ever balk in a canoe. # # # A single tooth (a toothless mouth) will not blow a trumpet (In unity there is strength). 16 PROVERBS OF WEST AFRICA A hen and a man (foolishness and sound common sense) pass through the same door. 0 # 0 Man, your knife is being used in the kitchen! (When the husband is gone, the wife does as she pleases). # # # The cutlass reduces the grindstone, and the grindstone reduces the cutlass (Relentless enmity will have its effect on both sides). A letter has only half the value of a personal call, # 0 Never despise the old hoe, before you have tried out the new one. ^ # 0 \yhy worry? To be divorced does not'mean to die. ® ® ^ Even on a muddy beach a white bird may be found. PROVERBS OP WEST AFRICA . IT Don't try to carry the world on your shoulders! No one expects it of you. ^ ^ # He who would blow the trumpet (to call men to battle) must not allow his own relatives to remain behind. # ^ ^ Two chickens will not come out of one and the same egg. ' ^ 0 ^ Night will turn a sprout into a whale. He who would sweep the hut must not sit on the broom. # # © Even the best firewood is not without ants (even the best woman has her faults). The inside of a man will not mock the rain (a sensible man' appreciates a good thing). , 18 . PROVERBS OP WEST AFRICA The woods are full of trees (women are plentiful; you need, not tie yourself to the first one you meet). Criticism and calumny cannot hurt a good man. # # # Peace is made by the edge of thai sword. ^ ^ A cook should never mind the sweat on his brow. # ^ # The ax that tries itself on a tree will fell it, ^ ^ Why pucker up your lips when you have no intention to weep? (Why play the hypocrite?) ^ ^ # A multitude of fleas will not cause overmuch annoyance, but a few only will make themselves felt (getting used lo a thing makes us indifferent). PROVERBS Oi^ WEST AFRICA 19 Mosquitoes and fleas (troubles) will come when they please. One mistake will never kill a man. (Einmal ist keinmal). A dog will eat on the floor despite your protestations (Nature will have her own way). m ^ m Lawmakers—lawbreakers. In the neighborhood of an oil palm you'll not be laid low. Get too close to a wine palm, and you'll be laid low (that is to say: get drunk. Opportunity begets temptation). # # To speak the truth cannot be wrong. -■w. aMM. AXIL ^ ^ A thieving dog will never be without stripes. liO PROVERBS OF WEST AFRICA Where the water rules, the land sub¬ mits (the rich are always on top). ^ ^ © Food is cooked in ,the pot, but the plate is honored (the servant does the work, and the employer gets the credit). ^ ^ m A man will never bear a child (Do not expect the impossible). ^ ^ One bad tooth affects all the rest.. ^ ^ ^ If beauty is edible, then satisfy your¬ self and keep quiet. ^ ^ An elephant never takes notice of what is going on behind his back. The poor man's back benefits the rich man's stomach (the rich live by the labor of the poor). # @ ^ He who would climb a palm-tree must not rest at the foot of it. PROVERBS OP WEST AFRICA 21 A man may leave his food untouched for a time, but it will force him to re¬ turn and eat (man is a slave to his habits). ^ ^ ^ If the hawk has quit stealing chickens it is because he fails to see (not because his nature is changed. He still is a hawk).. # ^ ^ Loss of teeth and marriage spoil a woman's beauty. ^ ^ ^ A foolish' act done over again will not improve things. ^ ^ ^ A beggar must be prepared to wait. ^ # A rich man fails to notice a poor man when he is having his meal. A**, W ^ W Friendship of the bucket and the fountain. 22 PROVERBS OP WEST AFRICA Where there is more than enough, more than enough is wasted. ^ m ^ A trumpet is blown on the hill-top, and smoke passes out through the roof (Only a man who rises above his fel¬ lows has a claim to leadership). ^ ^ ^ Buy all the presents you will—if a woman does not love you, she is bound to marry another. # ^ # A man who creates trouble seldom eats it himself. ^ # The wealth of a weaver-bird (much noise and nothing to it). ^ ^ Your friend has killed a sheep (for you as his guest) and your own sheep feels the pain) for it too shall be killed when you return your friend's favor. ^ ^ ^ Small crabs (a delicatessen) will not be allowed to get maggots. " PROVERBS OP WEST AFRICA 23 The bottom of a canoe is unmindful of the rapids (Unknown dangers do not concern us). ^ m ^ The back of a chicken never minds the mosquitoes (criticism and pin pricks fail to impress me). ^ ^ ^ Of time and thoughts the heart is full. Water never loses its way. # # No chicken will fall into the fire a second time. # ^ 0 A sound log does not produce mush¬ rooms. ^ ^ Be not boastful lest you be put to shame. ^ ^ ^ ~M.~ "aw Tobacco has no cousin (applied to a person who has little or no regard for others). 24 PROVERBS OP WEST AFRICA Use snuff from your own snuff-box! (Do not impose on others). # # # There are forty kinds of lunacy, but only one kind of common sense. # # ^ A blacksmith has no need for an axe. ^ @ ^ A person's back is under no obliga¬ tion. ^ ^ ^ A head cannot be shaved if the owner will not have it. ^ # A guest will not eat cabbage. # # You see the hut and ask: "Where shall I go for shelter?" @ ^ ® Two he-goats in one and the same stall will never agree. ^ ^ ^ The raindrop fell into the water. PROVERBS OP WEST AFRICA 25 You cannot tie a bundle or butcher an elephant singlehanded. $ @ ^ Every mistake has its own source. *** A** # # # A chicken that comes home to roost at the proper time and place will never cause trouble. 0 # You may put your hand into a tar pot and clean it again, but the odor remains. Laziness and want are always found together. # # # A talkative bird will not build a nest. © ^ © *** *** The sharp edge of a razor! (Applies to a judge who habitually condemns). © # @ The dog stole, and the goat is being punished. m ^ m It is your own firewood! Have the full benefit of it! (Eat your own stew). 26 PROVERBS OP WEST AFRICA I have not eaten peas. How, then, can I vomit them? (How can I testify in a case of which I know nothing?). # # # No bird will precipitate itself in brooding. # # # It rained on the mountain-top, but the valley below was flooded (fre¬ quently an innocent man is punished in¬ stead of the guilty). ^ ^ To find a thing is nowheres forbid¬ den (Finders—^keepers!). 0 # # The woods are not heartless (There is comfort in solitude). ^ ^ 0 If the rain should surprise me I'll drink it (courageous in bearing misfor¬ tune) . # © # Remind the chief of his sandals, and he'll send you to get them. PROVERBS OP WEST AFRICA 27 "This is the place/' says the swallow, when she returns to her nest. # ^ # On a pidgeon that is really dead the arrow has not been wasted. © © ^ TK* "V Want and suffering never betray. If you do not live near a wine-palm you'll not be tempted to drink palm- wine. ^ ^ ^ How shall the people gather for the dance, if the sound of the drum is not heard ? # # ^ The calabash is broken; why cry? (No sense in crying over spilled milk). A tree without roots will not stand. 0 0 0 The ant has beaten the cricket (In¬ dustry and thrift will triumph over in¬ dolence). 28 PROVI3RBS OP WEST AFRICA As a tree falls, so will it lay. ^ ^ A promise is a debt. # # ^ If you have set a cooking-pot in a certain place, then throw no stones in that direction (speak well of the place where you live as a stranger). ^ ® ^ • Many drops will fill the pot. ^ © No man can paddle two canoes at the same time (A thing at a time!). # ® # If you bring a firebrand (a wife) into your hut then do not complain of the smoke (the wife's relation). ^ ^ No woman will ever say to the other: "Wash your face." ^ 4 ^ Even the brightest fire will be ex¬ tinct in the morning. PROVERBS OF WEST AFRICA 29 A bird in one's hand is worth two in the woods. ^ # Repetition is the mother of knowl¬ edge. # # # Morning will not remove a difficulty. % ^ ^ Do not play with the tail of a dog, and you will not be bitten. ^ ^ ^ The fowl (whose feathers had been plucked) said: "I weep because it hurts; but after all life is more im¬ portant (than the feathers). ^ ^ ' Too much zeal will never profit. ^ ^ * "It fell off" (the swarm) said the bee-queen, "but I'll tie it up again." ■tW.. ..W.- ^ ^ Would you call a dog? Then do not carry a stick. 30 PROVERBS OF WEST AFRICA A basket which has fallen into the river will never come back. The chimpanzee sighs for a tail. # # ^ A sharp cutlass—^but the laborer is sleeping back of the hedge. ^ ^ Why tell animals living in the water to drink? ^ ^ Big elephants frequently have small tusks. - 0 0 ' Talk about the oil palm, and the wine- palm (one of the relatives or friends of the person talked about) is sure to be Keep your hand out of the pot. # @ # A man who has killed an elephant has no need to eat cabbage (a rich man will not eat the fare of the poor). PROVERBS OP WEST AFRICA 31 They have the beans, but no finger¬ nails wherewith to shell them (Rich men frequently lack common sense to make good use of their money). The bone to the beggar! ^ # If you refuse to die you do not love (your relatives and friends, who look to the departed spirits for protection and help). ^ # The best morsels are never given to a beggar. ^ # Who in the world would heed the ad¬ vice of a crabfisher? (A poor man has no influence). ^ ^ ^ *** Always have two stories at hand (be prepared for any emergency), said the dove. A** AXU. aXM. The hunter who killed the game in¬ vites the guests. 32 PROVERBS OF WEST AFRICA A player who runs ahead does not play. ^ # # # A bloodsucker will always live—one way or the other. # ^ # The oil-palm weeps for the leaves of the wine-palm; and the wine-palm weeps for the nuts of the oil-palm (No one is satisfied with his lot). # # # A man who is anxious to build will not hesitate (to begin at once). # ^ ® Antelopes are not found in the swamp (everything in its place). # # One sharp cutlass will clean a whole field. Both the frog and the toad have re¬ ceived their share (no cause for dis¬ satisfaction !). PROVERBS OF WEST AFRICA . 33 A rich man is killed by his word (he is bound to keep it). © ^ ^ The fishes envy the crab on account of his shears (Rich people do not like to have a poor man possess the means of defending himself. % ^ % Help of the rat and the bat! (Ap¬ pointing the wolf as shepherd). % m m The slave has spilled the oil (has for¬ feited his freedom). m ^ A single passenger will not cause the canoe to sink. A stranger will not kill the fattest ox (in honor of his guest). ^ A thing that is out of my reach is useless to me. # # # A new loincloth need not fear the strongest loins. 34 PROVERBS OP WEST AFRICA If you have set a meal before your guest, then step aside (do not watch him eating). # # # A tree without roots will not weather the storm. # # # An orphan sighs for the cooking-pot and hut of his mother. ^ ^ To have a wife means: Buy clothes! # # ^ The shoulder (the woman) is not above the head (the man). A