Tanzania is one of the most diverse countries when it comes it ethnicity. It has about 120 ethnic tribes. The Chagga people are third biggest tribe and they have always lived on the foothill of the Kilimanjaro Mountain.
The Chagga is also divided into a more about 400 clans that are led by chiefs locally known as the mangis. The clans are entirely over seen by the Mangi Mkuuw who is the Chief of chiefs. Chagga people speak the Chagga Language but they also speak Kiswahili which is the national language of Tanzania.
History of the Chagga Clans
The Chagga are divided into are more 400 clans. The clans were created after a series of civil wars in the area. Boundaries to these clans were marked by rives, valley and rocks. The modern day Chagga people are more united than the ancient ones.
The Chagga people of Moshi and Kilimanjaro have lived in the vicinity of the mountain for ages. The Chagga might be one tribe but subdivided into many clans. These clans were categorized under different chiefdoms.
Chagga Chiefs
The Chagga chiefs used to hold a lot of power. These were also judges in the community. They would also lead wars that were between the clans to conquer other clans. They would also issue permission for movement of other people through their land. Even the first Europeans that came to explore the Kilimanjaro would have to first seek permission to reach the mountain.
The Mbege Traditional Brew
Due to the availability of fertile soils on the soles of the Kilimanjaro Mountain, the Chagga people are predominantly cultivators. They grow crops from beans, coffee, maize, millet and bananas. The finger millet which is also one o their biggest crop is majorly grown to brew their local brew which is known as Mbege.
Mbege Tradition Brew is supposed to be a shared brew and therefore it is served in a communal port which is a virtue of the Chagga people to foster togetherness. The local dishes of the Chagga include a lot of meat, vegetable and fruits, bananas, Maize and beans.
Making this drink requires a lot of energy but the job is basically meant for women. They squeeze juice out of the ripe bananas and put the juice in barrels to ferment. They ass the powdered millet and leave it for a few days.
The final product is usually a bit bitter and the taste I close to wine. They drink can be taken on any occasions like funerals and weddings. Some just have the drink on a social evening.
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