Swahili

The Swahili peoples of Kenya share a great deal, including their language and culture. Over the centuries, the Swahili mixed with Arabs through immigration and conquest.

The Bajun, who are concentrated around Lamu and Kenya's northern coastal area, speak a distinct dialect of Swahili known as Kitikuu. It is believed that they came from a place in the north called Shungwaya, which has yet to be found.

The Shirazi apparently came from the north as well. Traditionally, they claim that they came from the aristocratic families and dynasties that composed the Ozi kingdoms of Shaka, Mwana, Ungwana, Malindi, and Mombasa. Most historians place no real weight on this story, however, and the Shirazi have mixed with the Swahili until little remains to distinguish them.

The Swahili, as well as the Bajun and Shirazi, rely mainly on fishing and agriculture. Fish spears and handlines (mishipi) are used with great skill, as are basket traps, cast nets (kidifu), drift nets (majerifa), and long seine nets (majuya). Agriculture is also important, with fires used to clear the land before planting. This method is described in 2nd century writings, demonstrating the amount of tradition behind the Swahili people. The coconut plays a primary role in the local economy, being used for building, making baskets and ropes, food, drink and oil. Root crops are also important to the area, as are rice, maize and fruits.

Although not as prevalent as they used to be when they numbered in the hundreds, ocean-going dhows (madau) still exist in Lamu, Mombasa and Malindi. Dug-out canoes (mtumbwi) and outrigger canoes (ngalawa) can be seen, and around Lamu cargo is still transported in the jahazi, with its triangular sail, and the dau la mwao, a keelless raft used for pretty much anything.

Wood working and weaving a variety of fibers into baskets, mats, etc., are important crafts to the area. The beautiful carved doors in Lamu are a good example of the carving skill of the Swahili people. Their leather work is also of high quality, and their skill with metal can be seen in their beautiful brass trays and inlay work.