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.
