Mkama Ndume Ruins (Magofu ya mji wa kale wa Mkama Ndume in Swahili ) was a medieval Swahili settlement palace ruins located in Chake Chake District of Pemba South Region that was abandoned in the 16th Century prior to Portuguese arrival and is known for its fortification.[2] The site is located 10 km (6.2 mi) east of the town of Chake-Chake .[3] The settlement was ruled by a leader named Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman, who was known for his cruelty towards his subjects thus earned his infamous nickname Mkama Ndume meaning milker of men in old Swahili. The settlement ruins bear this nickname.[4][5]

Mkama Ndume Palace Ruins
Drawing of Palace
Mkama Ndume is located in Tanzania
Mkama Ndume
Shown within Tanzania
LocationChake Chake District,
Pemba South Region,
 Tanzania
Coordinates5°17′52.08″S 39°48′28.8″E / 5.2978000°S 39.808000°E / -5.2978000; 39.808000
TypeSettlement
History
MaterialCoral rag
Founded15th century CE
Abandoned16th century CE
CulturesSwahili
Site notes
ConditionEndangered
OwnershipTanzanian Government
ManagementAntiquities Division, Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism [1]
Architecture
Architectural stylesSwahili & Islamic
Official nameMkama Ndume Historic Site
TypeCultural

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Antiquities Division". Retrieved 21 Jul 2022.
  2. ^ "Pemba Island | Silk Roads Programme". en.unesco.org. Retrieved 2022-01-05.
  3. ^ James de Vere Allen. “Swahili Culture and the Nature of East Coast Settlement.” The International Journal of African Historical Studies, vol. 14, no. 2, Boston University African Studies Center, 1981, pp. 306–34, https://doi.org/10.2307/218047.
  4. ^ "Mkame Ndume Ruins | Chake Chake, Tanzania Attractions". Lonely Planet. Retrieved 2022-01-05.
  5. ^ Connah, Graham. Journal of Field Archaeology, vol. 29, no. 3/4, [Maney Publishing, Trustees of Boston University], 2002, pp. 477–79, https://doi.org/10.2307/3250907.