Swahili Culture with Latifa Shihabuddin Chiraghdin. A renowned Swahili Heritage Activist and author of LIFE JOURNEY OF A SWAHILI SCHOLAR Shihabuddin Chiraghdin (1934 - 1976)
A brief history of the Swahili:
The Swahili were initially called Wangozi. They are believed to have migrated from Shungwaya to the coast, where they intermarried with the Arabs.
Traditional Swahili society is matrilineal. Women would own houses, which were built as soon as a girl is born, and men would make major decisions for the family and provided security to the community.
The Swahili are found along the east African coast, with some living in Mombasa, Kwale, Tana River, Lamu and Kilifi counties. They speak Swahili (Kiswahili).
The Swahili were an urban, maritime community, who interacted with foreigners from various parts of the world during the extensive Indian Ocean trade. They became middlemen and used dhows to move goods from various parts of the African coast, to the middle East and India. Their economy relied on trade, agriculture and fishing. Before the introduction of numismatic currency, payment for goods and services was done in cowrie shells. Items of trade were ivory, timber and slaves among others. Swahili obtained spices and clothes from the Arabs. Apart from trade, the Swahili were renowned fishermen and kept small herds of livestock. They also grew spices, coconut palms and fruit trees like mangoes.
Source: Google Arts & Culture
So why is there a lot of argument on the origin of the Swahili? I learnt in my history lesson in primary school that the Swahili are a product of the Mijikenda and other foreign tribes. Where did the misconception arise from? If the Swahili exist as a people and not just as a language what are the cultures, traditions and heritages that are the identity of a Swahili? Why do the new generations refuse to be called Swahili?
Let’s chat with Ms Chiradhgin
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