Rasi ya Mwana: The Queen of Manda Island
shujaa Stories
National Museums of Kenya
Nairobi, Kenya
Rasi ya Mwana, held the sceptre of power over the captivating island of Manda. Her rule spanned from the year 1381 to 1390 AD, an era that painted the sky with stories of her might and courage. Such was her impact that a part of Manda Island is still named after her, forever honouring her memory.
But even the mightiest rulers face adversity in their paths. It is said that Rasi ya Mwana, the Queen of Manda, encountered a fierce challenge when the King of Pate set his sights on her island realm. Despite her valiant efforts, her forces were overpowered, and defeat loomed over the horizon.
Confronted with the unthinkable prospect of surrender, Rasi ya Mwana made a fateful decision. Rather than allowing herself to be captured, she chose a different path, one of ultimate sacrifice. In a final act of defiance and to preserve her dignity, she made the heartbreaking choice to take her own life, forever sealing her place in history.
- Title: Rasi ya Mwana: The Queen of Manda Island
- Creator: shujaa Stories
- 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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