Trying the Sails from the Lamu Archipelago to the Arabian Gulf: The ‘death’ of Mtepe and Subsequent Rise of Jahazi

Abstract

Matondoni² village in the Lamu archipelago³ is known for its jahazi (dhow) building tradition. The Swahili used to build dhows without  using nails. Such dhows were known as mtepe (pl. mitepe). This article traces why mtepe became extinct and discusses jahazi building  traditions, beliefs, dances and sacrifices in Matondoni village. These include jahazi launch feast, sewing and trying the sail and the role of  the women’s vugo 4 dance. In addition, it investigates Swahili navigation and astronomy, from the Lamu archipelago to Arabia. The  article establishes that jahazi became more popular than mtepe due to the need for a stronger vessel to promote the emerging maritime  economy. The article finds that jahazi did not immediately replace mtepe, but the two coexisted until jahazi became the vessel of choice,  which stopped the production of mtepe.