Diwani ya Malenga wa Sawahili (MS 53491a)
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Material Information

Title:
Diwani ya Malenga wa Sawahili (MS 53491a)
Series Title:
Hichens Collection :
Creator:
[s.n.]
Publication Date:
Language:
Swahili
Materials:
Paper ( medium )
Technique:
Handwritten and typescript manuscript : Typescripts on black ink with handwritten corrections in green and red ink

Notes

Abstract:
This manuscript contains material for an anthology of Swahili poets, collected and put together by W. Hichens and Mbarak Ali Hinawy. The title of the manuscript is ‘Diwani ya Malenga wa Waswahili’, which should be rendered ‘Diwani ya Malenga wa Sawahili’, and although it was meant for publication, it was ultimately not published. According to Hichens, the poems were written over the period c.1200 to c.1937, as stated in his letter to the Sheldon Press (to be found in the correspondence section, at the end of the manuscript), however mostly are 19th century poems. The introduction is solely by Hinawy. In it he states that because there is not a written history of the Swahili, the poems are very valuable documents that in addition to their literary and linguistic interest provide historical, and cultural information on the Swahili. The introduction is followed by a Table of Contents, which lists the poets, and the poems discussed in the manuscript. In some instances, the poets are listed with some of the poems ascribed to them; in Other instances, the poems are listed in accordance with their place of origins. The poets discussed are: Liongo Fumo; Sayydi Muhammad al-Mudhaffa[r]; Bwana Malenga; Shehe (Shee) Mvita; a poet from the clan of Aali Sheikh Abubakar bin Salim; Sayyid Ali bin Athman; Muyaka bin Haji; Sayyid Abdallah bin Nasir; Zahidi bin Mngumi; Bakari bin Mwengo; Mwengo bin Athman; Muhammad bin Athman; Sh. Muhammad bin Abubakar al-Lamuy; Ali Koti; Sh. Muhammad bin Ahmad bin Sheikh Al Mambassiy; Sh. Su’ud bin Sa’id al-Maamiriy; Sayyid Umar bin Amin bin Nadhir al-Ahdal; Sh. Muhiy bin Sheikh Bin Kahtan al-Waili; Bwana Mataka; Mwana Kupona binti Msham; Mwalimu Sikujua bin Abdallah; Muhammad bin Umar bin Abubakar al-Lamiy. From page 6 to page 23, Hichens provides biographical information on the authors. Poems whose authors are unknown are listed in relation to their content, place of origins, or the type of language used, especially if old Swahili, Kingo(v)zi. For instance, Hichens refer to ‘old Swahili poetry’ as ‘Kala Malenga wa Ngozi’; or to the poetry of Lamu as ‘Mashairi ya Amu’ Hichens writes in Swahili, and there are a few grammatical errors, as well as some typing errors. The biographical section is followed by the poems themselves. The poems are all in typescript and transliterated; some errors were identified probably by Hinawy, and corrections are made in black or red ink by hand. This section ends at page 126. The final section contains correspondence relating to the publication of the anthology. The first letter is addressed to the Sheldon Press (part of the Society for promoting Christian knowledge), and it is followed by a document that list some manuscripts belonging to Alice Werner, but originally part of the Taylor Papers. The Mss were sent to Hichens by Alice Werner’s sister, and Hichens replies that he accepts them in full discharge of all claims and demands upon or against the Estate of Alice Werner. Further correspondence (5 letters) regarding the publication of the manuscript is between Hichens and the Inter-Territorial Language Committee (ITLA) in Dar-es-Salaam. The section also includes a letter to Mbarak Hinawy, and two letters to a certain Mr Ratcliffe about the publication of the MS. ( en )
General Note:
Biographical information: Some biographical information on the various authors of the poems contained in this manuscript are given in the first 20 pages of the MS
General Note:
Date of Composition is unknown
General Note:
Languages: Swahili (Roman script)
General Note:
Dialects: KiAmu; KiMvita and KiPate
General Note:
Poetic Form: Shairi
General Note:
Extent: 1 volume
General Note:
Incipit: Diwani la malenga Waswahili, biyadi W. Hichens; pamoja na dibaji biyadi Sheikh Mbarak Ali Hinawy. Liwali wa Mambasa.
General Note:
Mwalimu Sikujua, an informant of W.E. Taylor, was also known as Mwalimu Sikujua bin Abdalla bin Batawi
General Note:
Abdallah ibn ʻAlī ibn Nāṣir was also known as Sayyid Abdallah, ca. 1720-1820 and as Sayyid Abdalla bin Nasir
General Note:
See SOAS University of London manuscripts MS 53495 and MS 53490
General Note:
Africa -- Eastern Africa -- Kenya -- Lamu County -- Pate -- Pate Island
General Note:
Africa -- Eastern Africa -- Tanzania -- Manyara Region -- Siu District
General Note:
Africa -- Eastern Africa -- Kenya -- Lamu County -- Manda Island
General Note:
Africa -- Eastern Africa -- Kenya -- Mombasa County -- Mombasa
General Note:
Africa -- Eastern Africa -- Kenya -- Lamu County -- Lamu -- Lamu Island
General Note:
Purchased from Kegan Paul, 6 October 1948
General Note:
Publication information: Knappert, J. 1979. Four Centuries of Swahili Verse. Heinemann, London.
General Note:
Publication information: Harries, L. 1962. Swahili Poetry. Oxford University Press, London

Record Information

Source Institution:
SOAS University of London
Holding Location:
Archives and Special Collections
Rights Management:
This item may be in the public domain. Its status has yet to be assessed.
Resource Identifier:
MS 53491 ( SOAS manuscript number )
MS 53491a ( SOAS manuscript number )