Long Beak Bird
12" x 4"
Calabash and wrought metal

A bird with a long beak uses it to feed itself on the bank side of the river, (where it stands), but it does not stretch its beak over the river.

Only a greedy bird would feed on both sides of the river just because it has a long bill. The proverb cautions against greed and avarice.

From Hearing and Keeping, Akan Proverbs, Volume 2. Kofi Asare Opoku.