What is nyamwezi state?

INTRODUCTION. The Nyamwezi people, or the Wanyamwezi, live in the East African country of Tanzania. (The country of Tanzania was created when Tanganyika and the island of Zanzibar formed a union in 1964. Before German colonial occupation in the late 1890s there was no geographical entity known as Tanganyika.)

Which chiefdom had leaders known as Ntemi?

The Nyawezi lived in groups of villages called Gunguli. This was headed by a hereditary chief known as Ntemi or Mutemi. Such chiefs were also found among other communities living in the north- west and central parts of Tanzania. The Ntemi or central ruler was assisted to rule by a council of elders called Wanyamhala.

Where was the Nyamwezi located?

Tanzania
Early history. According to oral tradition, the Nyamwezi are thought to have settled in west central Tanzania (their present location) some time in the 17th century. The earliest evidence comes from the Galahansa, and confirms their presence there in the late 17th century.

Who ruled Nyamwezi?

One of the most important historical figures for the Nyamwezi is the mtemi (king) Mirambo. By the time of his death in 1884, he had created a central African empire that incorporated the greater part of Unyamwezi. Mirambo was a brilliant military tactician, known for his fierceness in battle.

Who was the leader of Nyamwezi community?

Mtyela Kasanda (1840–1884), better known as Mirambo, was a Nyamwezi king, from 1860 to 1884. He created the largest state by area in 19th-century East Africa in present day Urambo district in Tabora Region of Tanzania. Urambo district is named after him. Mirambo started out as a trader and the son of a minor chief.

Who was the founder of Nyamwezi empire?

Mtyela Kasanda
Mtyela Kasanda (1840–1884), better known as Mirambo, was a Nyamwezi king, from 1860 to 1884. He created the largest state by area in 19th-century East Africa in present day Urambo district in Tabora Region of Tanzania….Mirambo.

How many villages made a chiefdom in the Nyamwezi?

The Nyamwezi had long been a settled agricultural and cattle-owning people, arriving on the western plateau in the 16th century, and originally living in a mosaic of small and independent chiefdoms slowly carved out by ruling dynasties which according to a Catholic missionary may have numbered over 150, each with its …

Why were the Nyamwezi called People of the Moon?

The term Nyamwezi is of Swahili origin, and translates as “people of the moon” on one hand but also means “people of the west” the latter being more meaningful to the context….Nyamwezi people.

How do you greet Nyamwezi?

Greetings are very important in Nyamwezi society. One greets important people by bowing, clapping one’s hands, and averting one’s gaze before a handshake. A greeting among close friends are less formal and often incorporate some teasing and joking. A greeting is always accompanied by a handshake, as is leave-taking.

What is Tanzania etiquette?

Visitors who offer out their hand first, should always use the right hand. Right hands are used for eating while left hands are more associated with toilet activities. If in a room full of people, be sure to say hello or at least acknowledge everyone. Greeting one person and ignoring the rest is considered impolite.

Are people from Tanzania nice?

The local population is well known for being friendly and polite to visitors, and there is a strong sense of national pride that reverberates throughout the country. With over 120 ethnic groups living in Tanzania and various religious beliefs, it may sometimes be confusing for visitors to know correct from bad manners.

Where are the Nyamwezi people in East Africa?

The Nyamwezi, or Wanyamwezi, are one of the Bantu groups of East Africa. They are the second-largest ethnic group in Tanzania. The Nyamwezi people’s ancestral homeland is in parts of Tabora Region, Singida Region, Shinyanga Region and Katavi Region.

Why are the Sumbwa and Nyamwezi called that?

Before the onset of colonial rule, all people who were part of the present day Sukuma, Sumbwa, and Nyamwezi ethnic groups were called Nyamwezi by outsiders to the region. The term Nyamwezi probably meant either “people of the moon” or “path of the moon,” most likely referring to their location in the Western part of Tanzania.

What did the Wanyamwezi do for a living?

The Wanyamwezi were well-known traders in the pre-colonial era and played an important role in developing the region’s trade. They pioneered caravan routes throughout east and central Africa, while Nyamwezi trading settlements spread throughout central Tanzania.

How are the Sukuma and the Nyamwezi related?

All groups normally merged have broadly similar cultures, although it is an oversimplification to view them as a single group. The Nyamwezi have close cultural ties with the Sukuma people and are believed to have been one ethnic group until the Nyamwezi started their forrays to the Coast for long distance trade.