Bajuni people
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
 Kenya | 24,387 (1970 estimate)[1] |
 Somalia | 10,000 (1970s estimate)[2] |
| Languages | |
| Kibajuni | |
The Bajuni people are a minority ethnic group that live in East Africa.
Overview
The Bajuni principally inhabit the tiny Bajuni Islands in the Indian Ocean. Many also traditionally reside in Kenya, mainly in Mombasa and other towns in that country's Coast Province.[2][3] Some are also found in the Kismayo region in more northerly Somalia.[2]
The population's members trace their origins to diverse groups, primarily coastal Bantu and bushmanoid hunter-gather groups, as well as later additions such as Arab, Persian and Cushitic immigrants.[2]
The Bajuni are traditionally fishermen and sailors. Some also pursue other trades such as metalwork.[3]
Language
The Bajuni people collectively refer to themselves and are known as Wabajuni. They speak Kibajuni, a dialect of the Bantu Swahili language.[3] some belive that they trace their origins from Somalia.
Notes
References
- Abdullahi, Mohamed Diriye (2001). Culture and customs of Somalia. Greenwood. ISBN 9780313313332.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - Mwakikagile, Godfrey (2007). Kenya: identity of a nation. New Africa Press. ISBN 0980258790.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - Nurse, Derek (1993). Swahili and Sabaki: a linguistic history. University of California Press. ISBN 0520097750.
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