Queens of the Swahili Seas
Shujaa Stories
National Museums of Kenya
Nairobi, Kenya
In medieval times, in the alluring land of Lamu in Kenya, there lived remarkable queens whose stories were whispered in hushed tones. Their names may have faded from the pages of history, but their legacies still echo through the ancient sands.
In the enchanting realm of Lamu, Kenya, during the medieval era, a tapestry of captivating tales weaves together the lives of extraordinary queens. Whispers of their remarkable stories echoed through the air, shared in hushed tones, for they possessed a mystique that transcended time. While their names may have faded from the pages of history, their legacies endure, resonating like echoes carried by the ancient sands.
The Queens of the Swahili Seas is a research project by Shujaa Stories that aims to unearth legendary women from the Kenyan coast, focusing on the Swahili community.
The completion of this project could not have been accomplished without the immense support of British Council, the National Museums of Kenya through the Keeper of Coastal Region; Athman Mohammed, our lead researcher Julias Juma Ogega, the curator of Lamu Museum Sites and Monuments; Mohammed Ali Mwenje, Lamu Fort Librarian; Khadija Issa and a community elder in Lamu; Ahmed Salmin.
- Title: Queens of the Swahili Seas
- Creator: Shujaa Stories
- Location: Kenya
- Rights: Shujaa Stories in collaboration with the Nairobi National Museum
- Research statement: The Queens of the Swahili Seas is a research project by Shujaa Stories that aims to unearth legendary women from the Kenyan coast, focusing on the Swahili community. The completion of this project could not have been accomplished without the immense support of British Council, the National Museums of Kenya through the Keeper of Coastal Region; Athman Mohammed, our lead researcher Julias Juma Ogega, the curator of Lamu Museum Sites and Monuments; Mohammed Ali Mwenje, Lamu Fort Librarian; Khadija Issa and a community elder in Lamu; Ahmed Salmin.
- Community: Swahili
- About Shujaa Stories: Shujaa is a Swahili word that means brave or courageous, it also refers to a legend, warrior or a hero in a community. Mission/Vision (The why?) To fill the historical gap of the untold stories of Kenyan folk and cultural heroes. Shujaa Stories’ aim is to bring African stories to life in the most interesting and interactive way by using digital art and the superhero concept. Superhero Concept? To attract children and youth who are our target audience and are largely drawn to visuals and Superhero movies/comics. Aside from what they see in the media, they can now relate to our own heroes. Some of these heroes had supernatural powers and others were powerful leaders. We wanted a creative way of bringing out the powers that these significant individuals had.
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