Book
Ubena of the Rivers
G. Allen & Unwin, Ltd. • London • Published In 1935 • Pages:
By: Culwick, A. T. (Arthur Theodore), Culwick, G. M., Mrs., Kiwanga, Towegale.
Abstract
This is a rich ethnography and history of the Ulanga Valley Bena, covering a variety of subjects, including religion, customary law, property, agricultural production, mutual aid, bride wealth, family and kin relationships, clan system, and medicine men. Most of the material was gathered by indigenous researchers and is written in a clear matter-of-fact style. The Bena first migrated into the highlands of southern Iringa Region (Njombe District) in early 1800s. In the 1860s some groups migrated down into the river lands of southwestern Morogoro Region. The ethnographic study focuses exclusively on the 'Ubena of the Rivers' in Ulanga and Kilombero Districts, Morogoro Region (see map facing page 152.) Although the oral history refers to royal clans and houses, according to Swartz, the Bena had political entities no larger than a few villages and therefore had a tribal organization. The British appointed a paramount chief in the 1926.
- HRAF PubDate
- 2003
- Region
- Africa
- Sub Region
- Eastern Africa
- Document Type
- Book
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Ethnologist
- Document Rating
- 4: Excellent Secondary Data
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- Ian Skoggard ; 2002
- Field Date
- 1931-1933
- Coverage Date
- 1928-1933
- Coverage Place
- Ulanga and Kilombero Districts, Morogoro Region, Tanzania
- Notes
- by A. T. and G. M. Culwick; with a chapter by Mtema Towegale Kiwanga, and an introduction by Dr. L. H. Dudley Buxton
- LCCN
- 36019581
- LCSH
- Bena (African people)