Archaeology and Oral Tradition in Malawi: Origins and Early History of the Chewa

This is the first book to use oral history, documents written by early Portuguese explorers, traders, and government officials, as well as archaeology, to piece together the early history of the Chewa, the largest ethnic group in Malawi. The author is an archaeologist who discovered the first major Chewa settlement, Mankhamba, near the southern part of Lake Malawi. His excavations have enabled a more scientific chronology of the migrations of the Chewa and have provided physical proof of their early history, material and spiritual culture, and way of life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 18 September 2023
Publisher: James Currey

The Chewa, the largest ethnic group in Malawi, comprising a significant third of the country's population of approximately 19 million, hold a unique position in the nation's cultural landscape. Their language, Chichewa, is not only Malawi's national language but also a testament to their rich heritage. However, despite their significance, the last comprehensive book on the history of the Chewa was published in 1944, relying heavily on oral history and tradition. This gap in historical documentation has left a void in understanding the early origins and development of this remarkable society.

Fortunately, Professor Yusuf Juwayeyi has filled this void with his groundbreaking work, "The Chewa: A History and Archaeology." This pioneering book is the first to employ a multi-faceted approach, combining oral history, documents written by early Portuguese explorers, traders, and government officials, as well as extensive archaeological excavations, to unravel the early history of the Chewa.

As an archaeologist, Professor Juwayeyi has made significant contributions to the field, notably discovering the first major Chewa settlement, Mankhamba, near the southern part of Lake Malawi. His meticulous excavations have provided a scientific chronology of the Chewa migrations into what is today Malawi, shedding light on their material and spiritual culture and way of life.

In his book, Professor Juwayeyi presents a highly readable and informative history and description of archaeology, emphasizing the value of integrating oral tradition with archaeological evidence to arrive at a more accurate portrayal of pre-literate societies. His work showcases the richness and complexity of the Chewa culture and offers valuable insights into the historical and cultural processes that shaped their society.

"The Chewa: A History and Archaeology" is a valuable resource for historians, archaeologists, anthropologists, and anyone with an interest in African history. It provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective on the Chewa, shedding light on their past and contributing to our understanding of the broader African heritage.

Professor Yusuf Juwayeyi's dedication to his field and his commitment to uncovering the truth about the Chewa's history is commendable. His work not only enriches our knowledge of Malawi but also contributes to the broader field of African history and archaeology. We are grateful for his tireless efforts and hope that his book will inspire future generations to explore and appreciate the rich tapestry of African societies.

Dimension: 240 x 170 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781847013507