Introduction / History

The Makonde live on both sides of the Ruvuma River, which forms the border between Tanzania and Mozambique. They are one of the five largest ethnic groups in Tanzania. Their homeland touches the coast from Lindi to the Ruvuma River and stretches 180 kilometers to the west.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Makonde live in an under-developed area and thus remain isolated with limited interactions or trading opportunities with their neighbors. They are known nationally for defending their culture, way of life and land. Internationally they are best known for wood carvings of their family trees.

Most Makonde are slash and burn farmers who grow maize, sorghum and cassava. Those who live along the coast or near the Ruvuma River also practice fishery. Their diet is unique, which includes rats and snails.

What Are Their Beliefs?

On the surface the Makonde primarily practice Islam but in reality, they are animistic – practicing their traditional religion. They have been in contact with Muslim traders for hundreds of years and have received limited Christian witness. Yet, their religion centers on the veneration of their ancestors. This fact is highlighted in the carvings of their family trees that depict the older generation on the bottom who then later support future generations.

What Are Their Needs?

It takes time and perseverance to share the gospel within the Makonde society. One church has a Makonde pastor. He and his family have lived among them in a small town for 12 years. They have been faithful witnesses and God has blessed them. Church membership now consists of 24 believers, 22 of them are Makonde and four originate from a Muslim background.

Prayer Points

Praise God for the few evangelical believers among the Makonde people!
Pray for cross cultural missionaries who are committed to identifying with the Makonde and with showing them love and respect.
Thank God for the churches that have been established and the witness that they are sharing with the lost.
Pray for believers from surrounding Christian communities to see the Makonde as God sees them. May they step forward with a passionate presentation of the gospel through business and educational contacts.

Scripture Prayers for the Makonde in Mozambique.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Makonde_people
https://artsandculture.google.com/story/the-makonde-the-story-of-the-mystical-sculptors/hgJy4fwgl4WrIQ
https://unitedrepublicoftanzania.com/the-people-of-tanzania/daily-life-in-tanzania-and-social-cus