Nyamwezi
(Wanyamwezi) which means “people of the moon” is of Swahili origin and the
second-largest ethnic group in Tanzania. The people of this ethnic group live
in the northwest central area of the country, between Lake Victoria and Lake Rukwa.
Based on history, there have been five tribal groups such as the Kimbu, Konongo, Nyamwezi, Sukuma, and Sumbwa, who refer themselves as Wanyamwezi to outsiders. The Nyamwezi have close cultural ties with the Sukuma people. Their homeland is called Unyamwezi, and the languages they speak are Kinyamwezi and Swahili. Though, some of the people speak English.
Based on history, there have been five tribal groups such as the Kimbu, Konongo, Nyamwezi, Sukuma, and Sumbwa, who refer themselves as Wanyamwezi to outsiders. The Nyamwezi have close cultural ties with the Sukuma people. Their homeland is called Unyamwezi, and the languages they speak are Kinyamwezi and Swahili. Though, some of the people speak English.
Traditionally, the Nyamwezi are said to have settled in west
central Tanzania some time ago. They became professional traders as a result of
their experience in traveling and by the 19th century, they
were taking caravans to the coast to trade in Katanga copper, wax, salt and
ivory. They always think of how to earn money which made people considered them
as an acquisitive society.
The Nyamwezi originally lived in a mosaic of small and
independent chiefdoms carved out by ruling dynasties which may have numbered over
150, each with its own councilors and elders. Their cattle are normally giving
to the Tutsi to rear for them because the Tutsi are considered as professional
herdsmen.
The Nyamwezi had access to ivory from the coast to as far as
Congo. A kind of California Gold Rush took place for the ivory of the Congo’s
Manjema to the west of Lake Tanganyika. The Nyamwezi are hospitable because of
their strong involvement in commerce. Unyamwezi was regarded as the most
hospitable chiefdom. This is where Arab traders established the nexus of Tabora
to the Lake District beyond.
Hunting of Elephant was one of the most prestigious occupations
among the Nyamwezi, since the elephant hunters could get very rich by selling
the ivory. The hunters were organized in a guild, which accepted those who
could pass the apprenticeship and the tests that were associated with it. The
guild members believed they possessedpowerful hunting medicine acquired
through rigorous apprenticeships, tracking game in all types of terrain and
moving swiftly and silently through thorny underbrush. They often used lethal
poison, which they believed worked slowly but surely.
Nyamwezi staple food has been ugali, a porridge made
from hominy and served with meat and vegetables. Beer made from fermented
corn, sorghum, or millet was also common. Goats were used for ancestor
sacrifices. By tradition five goats or sheep were equivalent to one bull; two
bulls were worth one cow.
Most Nyamwezi people practice African traditional religion. They
believe in Likube (high god), Limatunda (Creator god), Limi (the Sun god) and
Liwelolo (the Universe god). Offerings of sheep or goats are made to ancestors,
and the help of Likube is invoked beforehand. Spirits also play an active role
in Nyamwezi religious life, with mfumu, witchdoctors, or diviners, playing
the role of counselor and medical practitioner. Bulogi (witchcraft)
is a powerful force in Nyamwezi culture. The Baswezi society recruits
people possessed by the Swezi spirit.
REFERENCE
http://blackethics.com/646/the-nyamwezi-people/
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