Rasi ya Mwana: The Courageous Queen of Manda
Learn the story of the 14th Century Queen of Manda Island from Lamu, Kenya.
By National Museums of Kenya
Shujaa Stories
Rasi ya Mwana: The Queen of Manda Island by shujaa StoriesNational Museums of 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.
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.
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