Wisdom From the Web: Many Hands

• Sayings pass advice between generations.

Not applicable for shorts.

Origin of the saying to be confirmed before attribution.

Setting in the series: Northern Ghana — Cultural exploration area.

Desiba

Dagbani

Good morning.

“Desiba,” Ntikuma said to the weaver, who was already at work.

“Praye sɛ wɔyi baako a ɛbu; wɔka bɔ mu a, ɛmmu.”

An Akan proverb about a broom: one stick alone snaps, but tied together the sticks cannot be broken — many hands make work light.

• Kente is a hand-woven cloth associated especially with Asante and Ewe weaving traditions.
• Narrow-loom weaving produces long strips, which are then sewn together to make one cloth.

• Advisory reviewer pending — To be credited once confirmed.

In the story: Nana Abena

Collect a saying

1. Ask a grown-up for a saying they grew up with.
2. Write what they think it means.
3. Write what you think it means.

• Under a minute. Suitable for all ages.

More guidance on the For Grown-Ups page.

• Ghana — Encyclopaedia Britannica — General reference for Ghana's geography, peoples, languages and history.
• Ghana Museums & Monuments Board — National body responsible for Ghana's museums, forts and heritage sites.
• Ananse Adventures editorial review — Cultural and historical detail is checked with advisors and fluent speakers before an episode is published.