The interwoven Kiswahili text in Arabic letters in Mat 8 (III E 4831) is a praise poem to Bwana Kisitavu – one of three historical figures mentioned by their names in the mat’s woven inscription. Identified as the German-born Gustav Denhardt (1856 – 1917), Bwana Kisitavu is praised for his successful adjustment to Swahili culture through his clothing choice and language ability.
This poem also reflects the remarkable openness of Swahili society to incorporating outsiders, provided they conformed to the cultural and aesthetic of the community – an expectation to which Kisitavu/Denhardt willingly subjected himself.
Find out more about the mikeka collection in Berlin here.
Voice: Najma Mohamed Lali Mahazi
Photo: Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Ethnologisches Museum und Museum für Asiatische Kunst / Martin Franken
Video editing: Rebeca Ofek