The History and Traditions of the Pimbwe

by Sarah-Jane Seel, Peter Mgawe, Monique Borgerhoff Mulder

The book presents the history, tradition and culture of a small tribe known as the Pimbwe in Tanzania. It describes the life of the Pimbwe from the pre-colonial era, through the arrival of missionaries, colonisation and post independence, right up to the present day. By reading this book, you will discover the origins of the Pimbwe, their traditions and their culture, which although not differing greatly from those of other African tribes, constitute an intriguing and unique story.

In 2008 a group of researchers help a workshop in Mpanda to compile a collection of information and various narratives from Pimbwe elders who maintain and highly honour the Pimbwe community’s culture and norms. The researchers subsequently used archival and other published historical materials to integrate Pimbwe narratives into known historical events.

It should be remembered that this book was written with the aim of preserving in written form a history which has been passed down through generations and held in the memories of the elders. It is also hoped that this book will help new generations, particularly of the Pimbwe community, to understand and honour their culture and traditions in a world in which globalisation continuously erodes cultural diversity.

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