The Duruma Community of Kenya

Who are the Mijikenda?

The Mijikenda are a Coastal Bantu community. They inhabit the region from the Tanzania border to the Sabaki and the Umba rivers. ‘Mijikenda’ means nine villages, namely: Giriama, Digo, Duruma, Rabai, Kambe, Chonyi, Jibana, Kauma and Ribe. Each community speaks its own dialect. The Mijikenda originated from Shungwaya, a region in southern Somalia around the 17th century and settled along the coastal hinterlands in fortified villages called ‘kaya’. Today, 11 'makaya' are inscribed into the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Migration and settlement

The Duruma migrated from Shungwaya due to the Oromo invasion. They moved from Digi and Kiran before the other Mijikenda communities and settled first at Gogweni before moving to Mwangea where they split into two groups. One of the groups moved up country, while the other went down to the coast south of Mombasa and built Kaya Duruma or Kaya Mwsakara.

Farming and trading for a living

The Duruma were subsistence farmers. They grew maize, sorghum, finger millet, cassava, sweet potatoes, peas, beans, and sesame, and at times grew and sold tobacco specifically as a cash crop. As cattle keepers, they also conducted trade in cattle, acting as brokers for the Akamba at Changamwe market.

Farming tools

These are sharp iron blades fitted to shafts to make hoes (jembes). They were used by Duruma farmers to cultivate soil to a depth of several inches, and to remove roots and weeds.

Pastoralism and entertainment

This small flute (chivoti), with four holes was mostly made by men, from Mwanzi wood. A nail was heated red hot and used to burn a hole through the wood. The tree chosen has a soft centre of pith, which could then be pushed out with a stick, and the end plugged up with tree gum. It was played by men and boys for amusement while out herding.

The power of the 'Kambi'

The Duruma were traditionally governed by a council of elders, ‘Kambi’, who were responsible for settling disputes, punishing offenders, instituting laws and effecting them. Decisions were made by a majority of the elders sitting. They relied on mystery and secrecy, and demanded community respect. The powers of the 'Kambi' were derived from their ability to appease and be listened to by the ancestral spirits.

Social structure

The Duruma have 14 clans and maintained a dual descent system (both matrilineal and patrilineal). Until recently, the Duruma, along with other Mijikenda, observed a practice of age-sets of four years. Land was owned by the clan, and sons inherited land from their fathers. The Duruma circumcised their children before graduating to adulthood, and they conducted celebrations during the birth of a child, after harvest, and at marriages and burials.

Farm work and livestock management

This axe head was made by a blacksmith in Kaloleni area and used by men to cut firewood. The Duruma men traditionally took care of families, worked on the farms and managed their domestic animals (cattle, sheep, goats and chicken). Boys helped their fathers with their daily work.

Pestle and mortar

This is a pestle and mortar which is broken at the top but was still in use. It was made by a Duruma male artisan (fundi). The mortar was made from wood of the Bamakofi tree, and the pestle from the wood of the Manga tree. The trees were cut with an axe or panga and roughed out with an adze, then finished with a knife. It was used by women outside the house for pounding grain, especially maize.

Coconut shell ladle

This is a ladle made from coconut shell and a stick. It was used by women to serve food. The Duruma women traditionally did all household work, assisted by girls, and also did a great deal of the farm work.

Clay pot for cooking

This is a pot made by a woman potter from clay soil. It was used for cooking.

Religion and beliefs

The Duruma believed in a supreme being, Mulungu (God) and revered ancestral spirits. Sacrifices were often offered to the ancestors to ward off misfortunes from the family (or community) and cure the sick. Today, some of the Duruma are Muslims while others are Christians.

'Shetani' caused illnesses

The Duruma believed that evil spirits (Shetani) caused illnesses and body aches. This brass anklet was worn by old women to protect them against such spirits. If anyone got ill, he or she would wear the charm and would not get ill again. The anklet was made in "Banga" by a male fundi. It was kept bright by rubbing it with sand and water.

Charm against evil spirits

Wristlet used by old women as a charm against Shetani, an evil spirit believed to bring illness and aches all over the body. This charm acted as a shield (Ngao) against such illness.

Roll of aromatic gum, wrapped in banana fibre

This gum is obtained from the Liangulo community at Kilibasi, where the gum producing mutungu tree is found in plenty. It is used as a medicine, normally mixed with porridge(uji), and taken orally to get rid of worms and stomach ache.

It was believed that a great deal of illness was caused by bad blood, therefore a cut would be made on the shoulder, and a cup filled to remove the bad blood. Most people in the Duruma community have a scar on their shoulders as a result of this operation.

Bracelets for dancing

These are thick aluminium wire armlets, which were worn by all women on the upper arm (little girls wear small ones). They were worn for any dances and other ceremonies such as marriages.

Ankle bell for dancing

An ankle bell used during dances by the Duruma. It was made by and bought from the Digo people.

A tweezer

This beautifully decorated iron tweezer is made by a giriama craftsman in kaloleni area and used by women for plucking eyelashes for beauty.