Author: erick

Swahili Coast of East Africa

Swahili Coast of East Africa

By: Maria Montero, Erick Castillo, Kristy Trevino,
Jin Torres, and Katherine Hernandez

Swahili Coast History

The inhabitants of the coastal areas of Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique share history, language, and cultural traditions, which some Swahili scholars claim date to at least 100 A.D., when an anonymous Greek traveler and author of The Periplus of the Erytharaean Sea wrote about a place in east Africa, which Arabs frequented to trade with those living on the mainland. This history is closely tied to Indian Ocean trade routes linking India, the Arabian Peninsula, and Africa.
Despite the shared history and language of the peoples of the Swahili Coast, it remains difficult to describe a discreet Swahili culture.
This is not to suggest that a Swahili culture does not exist, but instead that its boundaries are amorphous, changing whenever necessary to meet the demands of everyday life.

Additional Information

People from the bantu migration came over / coast	Development
They often incorporated the political practices of their neighbors. / They are largely Islamic,. / Many rulers claimed to be descendants from shiraz / Most rulers were Muslims / Had control over some trading ports	Government
Mountains, / Highlands , Monsoon, / and winds.	Geography
Relied on trade centers / Relied on slavery / Government didn't interfere with trade	Economy
Islam / Divination	Religon
Kikuyu, Luo, Luhya, Kamba and Kalenjin	Ethnics Groups
Western Education by Christians	Education
Males had all power / Those in power were Muslims	Social / Indicators

India influenced Kenyan food and several Indian classics have become very typical Kenyan dishes.	food
By the 12th century Swahili culture exhibited Arab and Asian cultural influences and it was also dynamic hybrid. / Architecture, furniture, and personal adornment. / The wooden doors are displayed as a sign of wealth.	Cultural / Arts
Bantu origin (Kiswahili) / Borrowed Arabic words	Language
Instruments are mandolin, rattle, Arab guitar, tambourine, three violas, cello, and earthenware drum.	Dances / And / Music

Swahili Coast of East Africa

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