Jumba la Mtwana is a fascinating historical sight in Kenya. This striking ruined village is located in Kilifi District in the Coast Province. Situated about 15 kilometres north of the coastal town of Mombasa this site is popular amongst all visitors to the country.
Simply translating to the large house of the slave. Jumba la Mtwana in Swahili has existed from about the 14th century to the early 15th century BC according to the evidence provided by architectural findings, though there are no historical records either in black and white or on stone. The entire complex includes ruins of four houses, four mosques and a tomb. According to the findings and the ruins of the mosques it is believed that the town was mainly inhabited by Muslims.
Though the habitation of this city was limited to a short period of time, historical evidence show that this was a thriving fishing village where Swahili merchants and fishermen lived. Its general layout and close proximity to the Indian Ocean are evidence of a village culture that participated in maritime trade.
Today the ruins are an enchanting sight where one can easily visualize the buzzing little village that was there many centuries ago. The coral stone walls of the mosque still stand proudly, and the nearby shallow pond used for cleansing is still intact. Other ruins indicate the layout and few of the important structures.
The origin of the term used to refer to the village, Jumba la Mtwana, is a mystery and as there are no written records it cannot be proven that that was the actual name given to it in the 14th century. But what is obvious, even without any archaeological evidence, is that it had been a picturesque fishing village.
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