Swahili Culture Collection

An inhabitant of Pate village rides his donkey through ruins on the outskirts of modern Pate Village. With no roads or motor vehicles on the island

The 17th century tomb of Mwenya Bunu among ruins on the outskirts of modern Pate Village. All the buildings in Pate were constructed of coral rag

A Lamu man strings the back of a traditional Lamu-style chair embellished with marquetry. Situated 150 miles north-northeast of Mombasa, Lamu town dates from the 15th century AD

A Lamu woman demonstrates the use of the shiraa, a tent-like cloth held up with two sticks, which obscured the face and body of a woman when she ventured outside her home one hundred years ago

A Pate farmer tends his tobacco crop among the coral ruins of old Pate town. His Arabian origins are unmistakable. Pate was established by Arabs from Arabia in the 13th century, or possibly earlier

A collection of rusted cannons, which once defended the army garrison at Siyu Fort. The Sultan of Zanzibar in the middle of the 19th century built Siyu Fort at the end of the mangrove-lined tidal

Siyu Fort. The Sultan of Zanzibar in the middle of the 19th century built this impressive fort at the end of the mangrove-lined tidal channel leading to Siyu village on Pate Island

The waterfront of the old historic town of Faza on Pate Island can only be approached by sailing boats at high tide along a tidal inlet lined with mangrove trees

At sunrise the fishing fleet sets sail from the sheltered, natural harbour of Kisingitini on Pate Island for a days fishing

The eyes of a Lamu woman wearing a traditional black Islamic dress and face veil (known locally as buibui). Situated 150 miles north-northeast of Mombasa, Lamu town dates from the 15th century AD

Lamu women are expert in intricate hand and body designs using henna and other dyes. Here, a woman with finely decorated hands

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

Discover Swahili culture through the lens of everyday life: An inhabitant of Pate village rides his donkey through sun-kissed streets, past ancient ruins where the 17th century tomb of Mwenya Bunu lies. A Lamu man strings the back of a traditional Lamu-style dhow, while a woman demonstrates the use of the shiraa, a Swahili mortar and pestle. Pate farmers tend to their tobacco crops among the coral formations, their eyes protected by traditional shades. Rusted cannons tell tales of past battles at Siyu Fort, where the Sultan of Zanzibar once held court. At sunrise, the fishing fleet sets sail from the sheltered waters of the old historic town of Faza. A Lamu woman's eyes, adorned with intricate hand and body designs, reflect the rich heritage of this ancient civilization.