Where rare hunters once lived

The Watta people, also referred to as Wasanye, whose ancient settlement was discovered in Kilifi county by the National Museum of Kenya. They settled in 13th and 17th centuries. Only 2,000 exist. PHOTO/BOZO ZENJE  NATION

By BOZO JENJE bjenje@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted  Thursday, May 23  2013 at  21:51

 

Archeologists have discovered an ancient settlement of one of Kenya’s most endangered people.

The Kwa Gumundi settlement in Chakama West in Malindi along River Sabaki is said to have belonged to the Watta who are also referred to as Wasanye and thought to be the first people to settle at the Coast

The National Museums of Kenya says the discovery has unique cultural benefits and will be instrumental in boosting tourism in the region.

The museums Coastal archaeologist, Caesar Bita, said the find would put Kilifi county on the world map.

He said preliminary findings confirmed that the Watta people, known to be hunters, settled in this forested area near water masses.

However, due to the migratory hunter-gatherer nature of their lifestyle, it has not been possible to locate any ancient site associated with them.

According to the scholar, the Watta referred to by other scholars as Waliangulo, stayed in the settlement purposely to target game that came to drink water in the period between the 13th and 17th centuries.

“In our perspective, indeed the Watta occupied the area and therefore it calls for further studies to shed light on the settlement to establish who between them and  Swahili were first to settle at the Coast,” he  said.

In his book Rogue Ambassador, former US envoy Smith Hempstone puts the population of the Waliangulo in Kenya at 2,000.

“By sticking his finger into an elephant’s droppings and tasting it,” Hempstone writes, “an experienced Mliangulo hunter can tell the sex, proximity and state of mind of the beast.”

During the exploratory findings at the settlement that is on a land to be developed into an agricultural plantation, Mr Bita said the archaeologists identified various artifacts that include pottery, beads, glass, bones and metal.

The lead archaeologist said the discovery would now rekindle hope of getting more knowledge on the Watta community’s cultural heritage that was fast disappearing.

“There is need to ensure that this culture is effectively conserved for posterity. It is also important for the public to understand the value of heritage, by promoting community participation in heritage activities that are geared towards conservation of the people’s cultural heritage,” Mr Bita said.

In the promotion and marketing of cultural tourism, Mr Bita said the local Watta, Giriama and Orma should form a community based organisation to spearhead heritage conservation in the area.

Strategic plan

“In achieving the goal, the muserums would help them to develop the strategic plan for the project to be sustainable,” he said.

Today, the Wasanye are found in Bombi village in Magarini constituency. Pockets of the previous hunter-gatherers are also in Lamu.