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The Mijikenda Sacred Kaya Forests and groves

Kenya (Africa)

Date of Submission: 28/09/1999
Criteria: (iii)(iv)(v)(vi)
Category: Cultural
Submission prepared by:
Coastal Forest Conservation Unit of the National Museums of Kenya (NMK)
Coordinates:
Found in the Coastal region of Kenya, East Africa. Numerous sites within a Coastal strip roughly 250 km long and 50 km wide, starting from Kenya's border with Tanzania in the South. Adm. Districts of Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi and Malindi.
Ref.: 1370

Themes

• Cultural landscapes

Description

Residual patches ( av. 10 ha - 200 ha ) of once extensive diverse lowland forest within the Zanzibar - Inhambane Regional Mosaic (UNESCO Vegetation Atlas, 1983). The Kayas are very botanically diverse as determined by various biological surveys, particularly by the National Museums of Kenya. More than half of Kenya's rare plants are found in the Coast region, many within the Kaya forests. At least 47 different sites have been identified.



The Kayas are regarded as sacred by the ( 9 ) local Mijikenda ethnic groups. According to traditions and myths, the forests historically sheltered small fortified villages of the various groups when they first appeared in the region three centuries or more ago pursued by enemies from the North ('Kaya' means homestead). Where possible they were established on hilltops and similar strategic locations. When conditions became more secure, local folklore maintains that the various groups left the forest refuges and began to clear and cultivate away from them. There are reports of some Kayas being inhabited well into the twentieth century. Archaeological studies also suggest a longer period of human occupation than traditions indicate, providing an interesting relationship between myth, folklore and reality.



The sites of the original settlements (Kaya), often marked by forest clearings were maintained by local communities led by their Kaya Elders as sacred places and burial grounds. Certain sacred objects or charms (Fingo) essential to the well -being of the community were believed to be buried in the Kaya. Cutting of trees and destruction of vegetation around these sites was prohibited, the main aim being to preserve the surrounding forests as a buffer for the clearings. Hence while the surrounding areas were gradually converted to farmland, the Kaya remained as the few remaining patches of indigenous forest in a manmade landscape which is a virtual mono-culture of Cashew, Coconut and Mango trees. Each of the nine Mijikenda groups identify with a specific Kaya or Kayas