By National Museums of Kenya
Shujaa Stories
Mwana Tau: The Saint of Siyu by Shujaa StoriesNational Museums of Kenya
Long ago, in the coastal town of Siyu, there lived a woman named Mwana Tau. She was a beloved figure known for her exceptional piety and a special gift bestowed upon her by God; the ability to perform miracles.
Her reputation spread far and wide, and people from near and far sought solace and inspiration from her remarkable presence.
Mwana Tau died 1860 AD. Her passing left a void in the hearts of many, but her spirit remained alive in the hearts of those who believed in her remarkable abilities. She was laid to rest in Siyu, a tranquil corner of Pate island.
People were drawn to Mwana Tau's tomb, a place where they could connect with her divine essence. They visited her final resting place to seek blessings and offer prayers.
One tale that remains etched in the annals of history is the story of Mwana Tau's miraculous intervention during a treacherous storm at sea. The ocean was rough and the dhow rocked violently. The storm was making things very hard for the crew on board. As if things couldn’t...
get any worse, the patch (known as hasho) on the dhow’s side, fell and disappeared into the ocean. Water began to enter and fill the dhow.
“We’re going to die!” someone shouted.
“We are finished!” another concurred.
“No, we shall not die. At least not today!” a wise crew member said, “Let us ask Mwana Tau for her help.”The rest of the crew heeded his words and together, they cried out to Mwana Tau. Suddenly, water stopped filling the dhow.
They dragged the dhow to land and began inspecting it. To their utmost surprise, they found Mwana Tau’s shoe in the patch’s place.
Mwana Tau's karama; her extraordinary gift, touched the lives of many, reinforcing the faith and devotion of those who witnessed her miracles.
The copyright for the artwork is owned by Shujaa Stories.
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:
1. British Council who funded the project.
2. National Museums of Kenya through the Keeper of Coastal Region; Athman Mohammed, Keeper Western Region and project 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.
3. Shujaa Stories Team: Curator and Illustrator; Martha Shavuya Galavu, Educator; Waithaka Gitau , Writer and Editor; Shani Mutarura, Environmentalist; Sandra Kabeyeka, Videographer; George Gathu and Supporting Editor; Njeri Muchina.
