Wanda (ethnic group)

The Wanda are an ethnic and linguistic group based in south-western Tanzania. In 1987 the Wanda population was estimated to number 24,000. while on 1931 it was still only 5,745 and in 1948 7,677, and in 1957 9,477. [Fipa and Related Peoples] [http://www.ethnologue.com/show_language.asp?code=wbh] .

Language

Lechaptois groups CiWanda with Fipa, Lungu, Nyamwanga, Pimbwe,and Kuulwe as dialects of a single language.

Political system

Under the British, following the German, the northern chiefdom of Uwanda no longer continued and was incorporated into the Fipa chiefdom of Lyangalile. The chief was always called Mwene, much as von Wissmann's dog, and the chief was generally related to others in the group. The Mwene was greated with clapping hands and the words "You are the only one" or "Guard us well".

Customs

As with many of the peoples of south-west Tanzania the groom carried a bow in his right hand and arrow in his left 'to pierce any man who seduces your wife'. With a chief's burial a grave is dug inside the chief's hut, but only after a whole sheep is buried with the chief in a sitting position on his royal stool, with a brightly colored bird's feather in his hair.

Finger millet, sorghum, sesame, peanuts, and maize were the prime crops and were cultivated on ridges. Iron tools and weapons were not produced, but came mostly from the Fipa.

The Wanda worshipped Gods, certain large trees, and the graves of certain chiefs.

References:
* Bauer, Andreus. (Raising the Flag of War)
* Willis, Roy G. (Fipa and Related Peoples) 'Ethnogaphic Survey of Africa'