The Ways of the Tribe

The book covers the tribes of north-eastern Tanzania scattered in the four regions of Tanga, Kilimanjaro, Arusha and Manyara. These regions form a vast area of the country, extending from the northern coast of Tanzania to the plains of Serengeti near Lake Victoria, bulging out from the slopes of the northern volcanoes to the floor of the Great Rift Valley. They include the well-known landmarks of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, the crater highlands of Ngorongoro and the ancient eastern arc mountains of Usambara. This is also the location of the active volcano, Oldoinyo Lengai, the extensive Maasai Steppes and the alkaline Lakes of Manyara, Eyasi and Natron.

About 20 tribal cultures have evolved in this part of the country, each with its own unique language, mode of life and folklore. "The Ways of the Tribe" is written for those who are interested in the interplay between the beauty of the land and the beauty of its people. And it is also written for native dwellers, whose culture has been inextricably linked to this magnificent area since the time of their ancestors.

"The Ways of the Tribe" explores 14 indigenous tribes in the area anddraws from them a cornucopia of African traditions, philosophies and humour in a manner that calls for a renaissance of African identity.

The 14 tribes are described in separate chapters, each of which divides into the same five headings covering tribal origins, history, community life, customs and national development. This arrangement has been useful in compiling the book and will also, it is hoped, be of assistance to anyone wishing to make comparisons across the tribes.

In the modern world, African tribes and cultures face a challenge from increasing western influence. With this in mind, a cautionary chapter on the lost tribe of Engaruka has been included. This unfortunate tribe once prospered a great deal and then vanished about 300 years ago leaving a deserted settlement, still visible today - a matter of curiosity to contemporary historians. What happened to the tribe? Where did its people go? And will they return?

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The long study of these peoples has raised interesting questions about how the tribes developed their own lifestyles, languages and traits. Why is every tribe where it is? How did the tribes' myths of origin evolve? I hope to have thrown light on these questions in "The Ways of the Tribe," which is my contribution to the rich cultural diversity in Tanzania.

Gervase Tatah Mlola

Excerpts from the Introduction]