"The elbow does not go above the head." - Malian Proverb

“The elbow does not go above the head.”

- Malianwisdom

Meaning

There is a natural order that should be respected; do not try to surpass your proper place.

Malian social hierarchies are respected through proverbs like this one, which counsel knowing one's role in the communal order.

Origin

Malian

Language

Bambara

“When the egg teaches the hen, the egg will crack.”

Yoruba

“The child you sired hasn't sired you; you are still his elder.”

Yoruba

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