Citation
Mashairi ya Zamani (MS 380548d)

Material Information

Title:
Mashairi ya Zamani (MS 380548d)
Series Title:
Knappert Collection : Al-Inkishafi, Utenzi wa Mwana Kupona, Mashairi ya Liyongo and other poems
Creator:
[s.n.]
Abdalla ba Sheikh ( contributor )
Publication Date:
Language:
Swahili
Materials:
Paper ( medium )
Technique:
Handwritten manuscript : In blue ink on ruled paper. The writing has been smeared in places

Subjects

Subjects / Keywords:
Swahili poetry ( LCSH )
Kiswahili mashairi
Genre:
Poem
Poetry ( LCTGM )
Spatial Coverage:
Africa -- Eastern Africa -- Swahili Coast
Coordinates:
-9.633997 x 39.778998

Notes

Abstract:
In the first five stanzas of this eight-stanza poem, the poet laments the ascendance of members of the lower class to positions of rank. In the final three stanzas, the poet attacks a person who has sought to harm him. Among the complaints of the poem’s first part are these: that people who once lived in humble houses, even sheltering in the shade of trees, now live in storied homes; that people who once smelled of fish now scent themselves with jasmine; that once people employed to skin animals did not dare to praise themselves; that people who were once employed to carry huge sacks of flour to celebrations are now themselves participants in the festivities; that people who were once farmers and herders, and knew nothing of the city, now give orders in it; that people who once had the job of braiding robes, which they did until their hands were worn out and they were reduced to begging, now wear turbans and are obeyed throughout the city. ( en )
General Note:
Date of Composition is unknown
General Note:
Languages: Swahili (Arabic script)
General Note:
Extent: 5 small pages
General Note:
Incipit: Pembe nipigie pembe, kwa kikuni cha mwanga, vumisha siwa mjumbe, uwajulishe malenga
General Note:
Africa -- Eastern Africa -- Swahili Coast
General Note:
Donated to SOAS [date uncertain]
General Note:
Scribe: Abdalla ba Sheikh

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 380548 ( SOAS manuscript number )
MS 380548d ( SOAS manuscript number )