The peoples of the happy valley (east Africa): The aboriginal races of Kondoa Irangi: Part ii the Kangeju
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Date
1992
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Fosbrooke
Abstract
The Kangeju, or Kindiga as they are usually called by their neighbours, inhabit a large area surrounding the semi-salt sheet of water shown on the maps of Tanganyika Territory as Lake Eyasi,1 and including portions of the districts of Kondoa Irangi (Mkalama sub-district), Arusha (Mbulu sub-district), and Mwanza. Their country is an inhospitable wilderness, full of game but heavily infested with tsetse fly and very short of drinkable water, and, excepting for some nomad “ Dorobo " to the north of the lake, they have it to themselves. Very little is known of this area. No roads pass through it and, though it affords good shooting, no food is obtainable in it excepting the meat of game. During the rains much of it is almost impassable black mud, and during the dry months, excepting for a few places, such as Jaida swamp, water is not only scarce but dangerous, for many of the springs and drinking- places appear to be impregnated with something which causes a severe and persistent diarrhoea.2 The Kangeju dislike the presence of strangers and are most unwilling guides, but no one else has a knowledge of more than a fringe of their country, so they must be used. They are lazy and prone to desert and, if a large supply of meat becomes available, arc quite capable of hiding until the departure of the traveller allows them to feast in peace upon the carcasses.
Description
Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr Wilbert Chagula Library, (EAF FOS P39)
Keywords
happy valley, east Africa, Kangeju
Citation
Parkipuny, M.L. (1992) The peoples of the happy valley (east Africa): The aboriginal races of Kondoa Irangi: Part ii the Kangeju