The Ways of the Tribe

The Ways of the Tribe explores the diverse tribal cultures of Tanzania and examines how they contribute towards modern identity and national development.

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, stretching out from the slopes of the northern volcanoes to the floor of the Great Rift Valley. They contain the well-known landmarks of Mounts Kilimanjaro and Meru, the crater highlands of Ngorongoro and the ancient Eastern Arc Mountains of Usambara. This is also the location of the active volcano, Oldonyo Lengai, the extensive Maasai Steppes and the alkaline lakes of Manyara, Eyasi and Natron. About twenty tribal cultures have evolved in this part of the country, each with its 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 the indigenous tribes in the area and draws from them a cornucopia of African traditions, philosophies and humour in a manner that calls for a renaissance of African identity. The 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.

Visit the book's website here: http://www.waysofthetribe.com/