Xhosa Proverbs - A Personal Selection

Proverbs are among the oldest poetic works in Sanskrit, Hebrew, the Germanic and Scandinavian languages. In Africa, too, they have been used for many centuries to convey ancient truths. However, African proverbs were not handed down in written form as in the formal tradition. Xhosa Proverbs is Kwela second offering of indigenous African wisdom as expressed in proverbs. The selection of 70 Xhosa proverbs appear in the original language, with literal English translations, followed by an explanation of the meaning of the proverb, and where possible an English equivalent. Illustrated throughout with miniature linocuts by Patrick Holo, who also provided the artwork for African Wisdom - A personal collection of Setswana Proverbs by Ellen K. Kuzwayo. An ideal gift book designed along the same lines as African Wisdom, except that a total of 24 different, specially commissioned miniature linocuts have been used in stead of details from one work of art.