Swahili Cultural Heritage: Origins, Development and Influences

Abstract

This paper examines the cultural heritage of the Swahili of East Africa based on an analysis of archaeological, historical and anthropological literature. The intricate history of Swahili interaction with the maritime environment, their immediate neighbours and the outside world since the last quarter of the first millennium BC produced a distinct cultural heritage. Coupled with internal dynamics, these interactions led to the rise and fall of a civilization characterized by a unique socio-cultural, economic and political pattern on the East African coast. Swahili cultural heritage reflects this interaction. This examination analyses a selection of tangible and intangible aspects, including ruined buildings, wooden crafts, and Swahili modes of dress, literary art and communication, music and dance. The paper concludes by examining the influence of Swahili cultural heritage on world culture.