Discovering Local Histories through the Elders
From the elders we learn about local life; the traditions, customs, and social constructs under which communities functioned; and also local perspectives on national events
He’s Only Four Years Old and Washing!
Tanzanian children learn early on to help in the home.
An Elder Gets the Head, Naturally!
In Maasai culture meat consumption is the norm, and the best part, the head, is saved for an elder.
If you can’t afford tea, just burn the sugar!
Drinking tea is a normal part of the current Tanzania tradition.
Watu wa Mtwara [People of Mtwara]
Sometimes Planting the Seed is Enough
Sometimes planting the seed is enough if that is all you can do. I learned this last month I revisited the Maasai community in which ADEA helped to found two primary schools in Rombo, Kenya – on the eastern face of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Why can’t you wait your turn?
Soon after I arrived in Mtwara I went to buy bread. I waited patiently for the man in front of me to finish his business, and then I stepped forward to make my order. Just then…
Did the first Tanzanian president wear women’s clothes?
This is not likely (though I have no proof to the contrary). This funny consideration came from some older Tanzanian Shilling notes and a publication we purchased on the history of Tanzanian banknotes.
Watu wa Mtwara [People of Mtwara]
“What is the history of Zanzibar? We have an exam tomorrow!”
Last week eight class-six (sixth grade) primary school students came to our museum to ask if we could tell them what impact the British had on the islands of Zanzibar to help them prepare for their history exam the next day. Though very last minute, we were encouraged …
The orange seller
Two month ago the government came and cut down many of our trees. Maybe 14 coconut trees; 4 mango trees; lemon, lime and orange trees; and 6 or 5 cashew trees. There was nothing we could do because the village leaders agreed that the government could do this so that electricity lines could be set up. We were given nothing by the government for the trees that were cut. But it will be good to have electricity.
Watu wa Mtwara [People of Mtwara]
Rainbows are not your friend
Most of us might think a rainbow is a wonderful and beautiful thing. But not so with the Makonde.