1. Swahili / Kiswahili Tribe

2. Swahili / Kiswahili The Swahili culture is a mix of people who claim ancestors in Africa, in Arabia, and even across the Indian Ocean.

3. Many people in Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique share the Swahili culture, language, history, and traditions. The Swahili language is considered a Bantu language but there are many Arabic words and phrases included.

8. Most Swahili are city dwellers rather than traditional farmers and herdsmen. However, many are engaged in fishing and trade, as their ancestors were. Most are Muslims but also follow local beliefs that have been part of their culture since before Muslim traders arrived in Africa over a thousand years ago.

9. The local beliefs are known as mila. One mila is that there are spirits that can possess a person. Many Swahili see a close link between their religious beliefs and the practice of medicine and healing. Herbal medicines are often given along with prescribed prayers and rituals that are all thought to be part of the cure. One practice is to write a verse from the Quran on a piece of paper in a special ink and then to dissolve the paper in hot water and drink it like tea.