“The tortoise's cleverness is in its belly.”
A Gbaya (Central African Republic) proverb: real wit is hidden and shown through quiet resourcefulness rather than loud display — reflecting the tortoise's role as the clever trickster figure in Gbaya folktales.
— gbaya-tradition, Central African Republic
Source: Gbaya oral tradition, Central African Republic; cited in 'The Gbaya People of Central Africa' (Qiraat Africa) and the Gbaya people profile (101lasttribes.com).
More Proverbs from Central African Republic
The river does not fear the forest it flows through.
A person who knows their own strength and purpose stays confident even in unfamiliar or imposing surroundings.
One finger alone cannot lift a stone.
Difficult tasks require cooperation; no one accomplishes great things entirely alone.
The elephant never forgets the path to the water.
Experience and memory guide a wise person back to what truly sustains them.
A drum beaten with care is heard far beyond the village.
Work done with real effort and skill earns recognition well beyond where it was made.
Cassava planted out of season feeds no one.
Actions taken at the wrong time bring no benefit, no matter how good the intention.
An old tree stands because its roots go deep.
Age and endurance come from a strong foundation; respect the elders who built it.