The Sandawe of Tanzania
Population: 40,000
Location: North central Tanzania
History: The Sandawe are descendants of the original San people who first populated Africa.
Culture: Traditionally hunter-gatherers, it is mainly the old men who remember this way of life. Few wild animals remain in the area. People still collect honey, but the hunting and tracking skills are being lost. Many have adopted some agricultural and herding practices of their neighbors, the the soil is poor. The Sandawe were forced by the government to settle in more permanent villages and now they live in small villages scattered through the area, with a few small ‘towns’ here and there. The area is hilly with woodland and scrub.
They are fond of singing, dancing, and telling stories which portray themselves as small animals who use their cunning intelligence to outwit more powerful enemies.
Religion: Animism. They worship the moon and stars and practice with craft. They fear spirits. There are some Catholic converts, but they mix Catholicism with animism. Islam is making inroads.
Latest Prayer Updates:
Dispensary open again
Praise the Lord that Pastor Mahalu in Magambua village was able to invite some Christian medical personnel from the government to re-open the AICT Magambua Dispensary. Care is happening there again with believers treating people and augmenting the witness of the local church. Pray for many to find Jesus there!
Children’s ministry
Pray for the impact of the Compassion International program, that is being run with the support of many of the believers from AICT Magambua church, that many children from the community will come to faith in Christ through the witness and care of this ministry.
