Ads

Ads
To advertise here call 0706509638 or email : josephkatana29@gmail.com

The Chonyi Community

Image result for chonyi people


The Chonyi, also referred to as Achonyi (A person from this tribe may also be referred to as an Mchonyi), are one of the smaller tribes of the Mijikenda on the coast of Kenya.

Image result for chonyi people

Location

Their populations can be found in the villages of Lutsangani, Chidutani, Kolongoni, Dzitsoni, Bundacho, Ziani, Karimboni, Chasimba, Galanema, Mwele, Chigojoni, Dindiri, Junju, Katikirieni, Podzoni, Mwarakaya, Pingilikani, Vwevwesi, Mafisini, Ng'ombeni, Chizingo, Chikambala, Chengoni, Chije, Banda-ra-Salama and Mbuyuni. They are also found in recent settlements areas of Kilifi District like Chumani, Roka, Maweni, Vipingo, Takaungu and Mtwapa.

Origin

According to a Chonyi myth, the Achonyi originated in Singwaya (or Shungwaya), which was to the north of the Somali coast. They were driven south by the Oromo until they reached their present locations along the ridge, where they built their kayas within a protective setting.
The historical accuracy of this myth is a point of controversy between those who believe that the Mijikenda originated from a single point in the north and those who believe that they do not have a single origin, but migrated primarily from the south.

Culture

 Image result for chonyi people

Where "kiti" means chair in Swahili, "Kihi" is Giriama and "Chihi" is Chonyi. Similar, but recognizably different languages. Like the other Mijikenda tribes, the Chonyi live in settlements known as "Kaya." The original "Kaya Chonyi" is located on a forested hill top. In the center of the Kaya were shrines where the elders or "atumia" would pray to god or "Mulungu".
The Chonyi's traditional music, known as the kiringongo, features the xylophone, rare in Kenyan music.[2]

Naming

 Image result for chonyi people


The naming of the chonyi people is symbolic, for example, MBEYU is a name of a girl mbeyu meaning seeds for planting. KARISA means a boy who is a herder most probably born when her mother was in the field grazing. NYAVULA is a girl name meaning a rainy season, born during times of rains. MOKOLI is a boy name meaning a person who is helpful. Names are also often repeated in the family. The names of the father's uncles and aunts would become the names of his children, this would be repeated with the mother's side of the family.
Once the names from both sides of the family have been used the parents can choose original names. Another interesting fact about names is that the first name of the father will become the last name of the rest of the family. An example would be if one's name is KARISA MZUNGU, KARISA would be the last name of his children and wife. Although it is a tradition to name your family in this way it is a practice that is slowly fading.

Related Posts :

  • The Kalenjin Culture The Kalenjin are a Nilotic ethnic group inhabiting the Rift Valley Province in Kenya. They are estimated to number a little over 4.9 mi… Read More...
  • The Luhya Culture   The Luhya (also known as Abaluyia or Luyia)[2] are a Bantu ethnic group in Kenya.[3] They number about 5.3 million people, b… Read More...
  • Luo culture     The Luo (also called Joluo, singular Jaluo) are an ethnic group in western Kenya, northern Uganda, and in Mara Region i… Read More...
  • The Taita Culture And Tradition The Taita people (the Wataita or Wadawida) are a Kenyan ethnic group located in the Taita-Taveta District. They speak Kidawida which b… Read More...
  • The Kikuyu Culture   The Kikuyu are the largest ethnic group in Kenya. They speak the Bantu Kikuyu language as a mother tongue. The term Kikuyu is th… Read More...