Wavinza | |
|---|---|
| Regions with significant populations | |
 Tanzania | 19,000[1] |
| Languages | |
| Vinza language | |
| Religion | |
| MajorityIslam (70%)[2] significant minorityChristianity (30%)[3] | |
TheVinza (Wavinza inSwahili) are aBantu ethnic and linguistic group based inUvinza District ofKigoma Region,Tanzania. In 1987 the Vinza population was estimated to be 10,000.[4] The Vinza people speak theVinza language, also known as Kivinza,[5] which belongs to theCentral Bantu language family. Many Vinza people also speak the Swahili language.[6] The Vinza are also sometimes called Binza and Mabinza.[7]
The Vinza people are thought to havemigrated fromCameroon, but this is not certain. However, they definitely migrated fromCentral Africa approximately 2,000 BCE. As the Vinza journeyed to modern-day Tanzania, they picked up aspects of differentcultures and societies they encountered. Eventually, the Vinza settled in the northwestern area of theGreat Lakes in Tanzania as a mixed people group.[6][8]
After settling in Tanzania, the Vinza foundedUvinza as a smallsalt mining village and the main home for the Vinza. Nearby Uvinza, there were multiplebrine springs, which made the location strategic for salt mining. The Vinza expertly used these springs to their advantage in the salt trade, but salt mining remained as a small scale operation. In the 1800s, the Vinza had adopted a chief as their ruler, which strengthened the salt mining operation in the Uvinza.[8] Soon after,Arabimmigrants traveling east across Tanzania spreadIslam to the Vinza.[6]
In the late 1800s, spreading hostilities with theGermans began to adversely impact the salt trade. These hostilities were caused by theNyamwezi,Hehe, among other ethnicities who had rebellious battles withGermany at the time. Eventually, the Germans and Vinza started having a hostile relationship with each other too. As a result, Germany defeated the chief of Uvinza, chief Rulenege. Due to his defeat, chief Rulenenge fled Uvinza, so his death circumstances remain unknown. In 1885, Germany successfully conquered Uvinza along with its brine springs. Under German control, Uvinza was known asNeu Gottorp.[8]
After German conquest, Uvinza andTanganyika (German East Africa) remained under German rule until 1918. Vinza communities weremassacred under German colonial rule. Additionally, Germany activelyexploited the numerousnatural resources of Uvinza, especiallysalt. As a result, the Vinza people were forced to in salt operations for long periods of the day with little revenue. However, German colonialism of Uvinza left behind importantinfrastructure such as arailway, which is still used to this day. German occupation also left behind the Nyanza salt mine L.T.D Industry.[8][6]
After 1918, Germany was punished for their role in World War I, so their colony of German East Africa was given to theUnited Kingdom. This meant that Uvinza was now controlled by Britain. Later on,The Mandate Territory of Tanganyika gained itsindependence from Britain in 1961.[8][6]
Due to the historical, Islamic influence of Arab immigrants, most Vinza areMuslims. There is also a significant number VinzaChristians as a result of Tanzania being influenced byChristian missionaries.[6]
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