Mwana Masura: The Graceful Queen of Pate Island
Learn about the 15th Century Queen of Pate Island in Lamu, Kenya.
By National Museums of Kenya
Shujaa Stories
Mwana Masura: The Queen of Siyu by Shujaa StoriesNational Museums of Kenya
Mwana Masura, a regal figure who ruled over the mystical land of Siyu in Pate island, around the 15th century. Her reign was a testament to her strength and wisdom, guiding her people with grace and compassion.
Though we may not know much about the specific tales that coloured her days, we can imagine her as a majestic leader, adorned in regal garments, and surrounded by the whispers of her loyal subjects.
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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