Coastal Fishermen, Inland Farmers: Exploring the Diverse Cultures of Mozambique’s Makua and Tsonga Peoples
By Kwadwo Afrifa – November 20, 2025 13:00
This image contrasts the distinct cultural activities of Mozambique’s Makua and Tsonga peoples. On the left, Makua fishermen navigate clear coastal waters in a dugout canoe, representing their heritage as ‘Mariners of the North’ and their connection to the Indian Ocean. On the right, Tsonga women powerfully play drums in a traditional village setting, showcasing their vibrant musical traditions as ‘Drummers of the South.
Our expansive journey through Africa’s diverse cultures now leads us to Mozambique, a nation defined by its vast Indian Ocean coastline, its history as a Portuguese colony, and its rich blend of Bantu-speaking cultures. Here, we delve into the distinct traditions of the Makua people, the largest ethnic group, concentrated mainly in the north, and the Tsonga (Shangaan) people, an influential group in the southern regions, known for their rich musical heritage and powerful historical kingdoms. Their contrasting livelihoods—from coastal fishing and trade to inland farming and historical conflict—offer a compelling study of cultural adaptation in Southern Africa.
Mozambique’s culture has been profoundly shaped by centuries of Indian Ocean trade (bringing Swahili and Arab influences), Portuguese colonialism, and the historical movements of Bantu groups, particularly during the 19th-century conflicts (Mfecane) that reshaped Southern Africa.
The Makua: A Northern Legacy of Trade and Artistry
The Makua people (including various sub-groups like the Lomwe, Meto, and Chirima) constitute the largest ethnic cluster in Mozambique, historically occupying the vast area between the Zambezi River and the Rovuma River, bordering Tanzania.
* Livelihoods and Coastal Trade: The Makua are primarily agriculturalists, cultivating crops such as maize, cassava, and groundnuts. However, those closer to the coast have long engaged in fishing and coastal trade, often interacting with Swahili and Arab traders, which contributed to cultural exchange and the development of port towns.
* Decentralized Governance: Historically, Makua society was characterized by relatively decentralized political organization, based on chiefdoms and lineage groups, rather than large, unified kingdoms. Leadership rested with chiefs (Mwenemutapa or Mwanamutapa) who controlled limited territories.
* Artistic Traditions (Masks): The Makua have a strong artistic tradition, particularly known for their wooden masks, such as the lipiko. These masks are used in initiation ceremonies (unyago) and social dances. The lipiko often represents spirits or ancestors and plays a central role in teaching moral and social values to initiates (Alpers, 1975).
* Matrilineal Elements: Many Makua subgroups traditionally follow a matrilineal system, where descent and inheritance are traced through the mother’s line, and the maternal uncle holds significant authority.
The Tsonga (Shangaan): Southern Kingdoms and Rhythmic Heritage
The Tsonga people (often referred to as Shangaan, particularly in historical contexts related to the Gaza Kingdom) are concentrated in the southern provinces of Mozambique and extend into South Africa and Eswatini. Their culture is defined by their history of state formation, the Mfecane era, and a vibrant musical identity.
* The Gaza Kingdom and Mfecane: The Tsonga people were deeply affected by, and were participants in, the 19th-century Mfecane (period of crushing) conflicts. A significant Tsonga group fell under the dominion of the Gaza Kingdom, founded by Soshangane (from whom the name Shangaan is derived). This history led to the assimilation of Nguni military and political customs, giving the southern Tsonga a more hierarchical and centralized social structure than the northern Makua (Harries, 119).
* Musical and Dance Heritage: The Tsonga possess one of the richest musical and dance traditions in Southern Africa. Their ceremonies and social gatherings are characterized by complex polyrhythms produced by drums, shakers, and xylophones (timbila), accompanied by expressive and powerful dancing.
* Livelihoods and Migrant Labor: Traditionally agriculturalists (maize, sorghum) and pastoralists (cattle), the Tsonga in southern Mozambique were heavily impacted by the history of migrant labor to the gold mines of South Africa. This shaped family structures, economic practices, and oral traditions (Harries, 1994).
A Shared Mozambican Identity
The Makua and Tsonga, along with the numerous other ethnic groups (like the Sena, Ndau, and Chewa), contribute to Mozambique’s vibrant national identity. The national struggle for independence and the subsequent civil war created a unifying force, encouraging a shared national language (Portuguese) and culture that transcends ethnic lines.
The Makua, with their northern ties to Indian Ocean trade and distinctive masked artistry, and the Tsonga, with their historical connection to the Gaza kingdom and their powerful musical heritage, collectively illustrate the dynamic diversity of Mozambique’s cultural landscape.
Our next article will take us to Namibia, where we will explore the traditions of the Ovambo people, the largest ethnic group, and the Herero people, known for their unique Victorian-influenced dress and pastoralism.
References:
* Alpers, E. A. (1975). Ivory and Slaves in East Central Africa. University of California Press.
* Harries, P. (1994). Work, Culture, and Identity: Migrant Laborers in Mozambique and South Africa, c. 1860–1910. Heinemann.
* Newitt, M. (1995). A History of Mozambique. Indiana University Press.
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