Swahili / Kiswahili

Tribe

Swahili / Kiswahili• The Swahili culture is a mix of people who

claim ancestors in Africa, in Arabia, and even across the Indian Ocean.

• Many people in Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique share the Swahili culture, language, history, and traditions.The Swahili language is considered a Bantu language but there are many Arabic words and phrases included.

• Most Swahili are city dwellers rather than traditional farmers and herdsmen. However, many are engaged in fishing and trade, as their ancestors were.

• Most are Muslims but also follow local beliefs that have been part of their culture since before Muslim traders arrived in Africa over a thousand years ago.

• The local beliefs are known as mila. • One mila is that there are spirits that can

possess a person. • Many Swahili see a close

link between their religious beliefs and the practice of medicine and healing.

• Herbal medicines are often given along with prescribed prayers and rituals that are all thought to be part of the cure.

One practice is to write a verse from the Quran on a piece of paper in a special ink and then to dissolve the paper in hot water and drink it like tea.