The Kilwa reached their peak during the 12th century and continued until the 1800's, ending with the abolition of the slave trade. The Kilwa played a critical role in both African and United States history. There are three groups of Kilwa. The oldest is Kilwa Kisiwani, which lies on a small island. This is where the ruins of the medieval city of Kilwa is located, which is where the legend of King Solomon's mines originated. Kilwa Kisiwani is famous for its ruins, the finest and most intact of Islamic architecture. Small fishing villages lie along the coast, unchanged by the progress of the rest of the country. The city derived its wealth from the gold and ivory trades, which was a major part of their economy.
Kilwa Masoko is a regional headquarters. A market is held daily on the square at Kilwa Masoko. Men in white robes and women in black buibuis gather together to barter fresh produce and a variety of other products.
Kilwa Kivinje was a major 19th century slave trading center. Kilwa Kivinje was on the southern caravan route from Lake Nyasa. Roughly 20,000 slaves were exported from there annually during the 1860's. This site was also the place were the Germans' southern administrative headquarters were located.
Though this page has been carefully researched, the author does not claim expertise on the Kilwa.
Please send questions, comments, and corrections to emuseum@mnsu.edu and include the URL.
If you are a descendant of the Kilwa, your feedback is much appreciated.
"Tanzania Tourist Board." Inter Green Services Limited 1996.http://www.safariweb.com/tanzania/centre.htm
"Kilwa." World Book 1998
"Kilwa." Encarta Encyclopedia 1998
Written By: Cassandra Starrett