Traditional lifestyle =
of the
Mijikenda.
The Mijikenda are a coastal group of people that compr= ise of the Giriama, Ribe, Rabai, Duruma, Kambe, Digo, Chonyi, Jibana and Kauma. Mijikenda is a Swahili word the literally means nine cities. This name originates from the nine tribes that form the Mijikenda. The mijikenda were organized into clans, which comprised related family members. Each group th= at comprised the Mijikenda lived in a village called Kaya. Social ceremonies w= ere marked with song and dance.
The age-set system was an important part of the Mijike= nda. Young boys joined the age-set system after their initiation. Warriors who defended the community from external attacks came from one age-set.
The Mijikenda believed in a God called Mulungu. They p= rayed to God directly. They worshipped ancestral spirits who they believed posses= sed strong influence among the living.
Economic activities
Majority of the people who lived around the coastal ar= eas came into contact with foreigners quite often. It went without say that the= se people then got involved in trade: the Mijikenda amongst them. In addition = to trade, the Mijikenda cultivated traditional crops including sorghum, millet, cassava, yams, sweet potatoes and beans. They also kept cattle, sheep and goats.
Administration
The Mijikenda had a strong clan system. Members of the= same clan believed that they originated from the same ancestor. The council of elders, Kambi, played a very important role. They settled disputes among the community members where they acted as the final matter on all judicial case= s. The Kambi also presided over religious ceremonies. The council also had a responsibility of declaring war on neighbours when they were provoked.