Nyamwezi

Nyamwezi

people
also called  Banyamwesi,  

      Bantu-speaking inhabitants of a wide area of the western region of Tanzania. Their language and culture are closely related to those of the Sukuma (q.v.).

      The Nyamwezi subsist primarily by cereal agriculture, their major crops being sorghum, millet, and corn (maize). Rice is a significant cash crop. The Nyamwezi have long been famous as travellers and workers outside their own country; as porters they became known throughout East Africa.

      Though they once lived in compact villages, the Nyamwezi have dispersed since the 19th century, living now in relatively scattered homesteads. Marriage entails both a bride-price and bride service; polygyny is permitted but limited in practice. Descent is through the female line. The Nyamwezi have a number of secret societies that require initiation and other ceremonies.

      Chiefdoms were formerly highly developed. Each had a hierarchy of territorial officers culminating in that of the ntemi (“chief”). There was a large aristocracy and an even larger slave population.

      Ancestor worship is the most important facet of religious activity. High gods and spirits are also recognized. A mfumi (“diviner”) can interpret a situation for an individual or a group, telling them what forces are impinging on their lives. Christianity and Islām have made only limited inroads.

* * *


Universalium. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужно решить контрольную?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Nyamwezi — Nyamwézi Nyamwézi Coiffures Wanyamwezi (1860) Populations significatives par régions …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Nyamwézi — Coiffures Wanyamwezi (1860) Populations   …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Nyamwezi — ist die Sammelbezeichnung für eine Anzahl von bantusprachigen Gruppen in Zentraltansania, die eine ähnliche Sprache und eine ähnliche kulturelle Prägung miteinander teilen, jedoch nie als gemeinsame soziale Gruppe existierten. Der Begriff… …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • Nyamwezi —   [ zi], Wanyamwezi, Njamwesi, Bantuvolk in Tansania, im zentralen Tafelland zwischen Victoria und Rukwasee. Die etwa 850 000 Nyamwezi, von denen rd. 50 % sunnitische Muslime sind (die übrigen sind Christen und Animisten), bilden zusammen mit… …   Universal-Lexikon

  • Nyamwezi — population établie en Tanzanie (env. 1 400 000 personnes). Ils parlent une langue bantoue …   Encyclopédie Universelle

  • Nyamwezi — ethnic group group=Nyamwezi poptime= 1.5 million (1989) popplace=Tanzania rels=Islam,Christianity langs=Nyamwezi related=SukumaThe Nyamwezi (originally and also Wanyamwezi ) are the second largest of over 120 ethnic groups in Tanzania. They live… …   Wikipedia

  • Nyamwezi — noun a Bantu language spoken in central Tanzania • Hypernyms: ↑Bantu, ↑Bantoid language * * * nyämˈwāzē noun (plural nyamwezi or nyamwezis) Usage: usually capitalized 1 …   Useful english dictionary

  • Nyamwezi people — Nyamwezi Total population 1.5 million (1989) Regions with significant populations Tanzania Languages Nyamwezi Religion Islam, Christianity …   Wikipedia

  • Nyamwezi language — Nyamwezi Spoken in Tanzania Ethnicity Nyamwezi Native speakers 980,000  (2006) Language family Niger–Congo …   Wikipedia

  • Nyamwezi — noun a) a people of Tanzania b) a Bantu language spoken by this people …   Wiktionary

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”