The Makua people

The Makua people, also known as Makhuwa or Wamakua, are a prominent Bantu ethnic group primarily residing in northern Mozambique and the southern provinces of Tanzania. With a population exceeding 8.4 million, they are the largest ethnic group in Mozambique, occupying regions north of the Zambezi River. The Makua people are organized into four main subgroups: the Lolo Makua, Lomwe Makua, Maua, and Niassa Makua (Medo). They speak various dialects of the Makua language, known as Emakua, which is part of the Bantu language family.

The Makua have a rich cultural history deeply tied to their ancestral lands. According to their oral traditions, their ancestors originated from the Namuli mountains, believed to be their spiritual and cultural heartland. Historically, the Makua were skilled ironworkers, producing tools, weapons, and jewelry from locally mined iron ore. They also engaged in agriculture and hunting, which remain significant in their livelihoods today.

Trade played a vital role in Makua society, connecting them with Swahili merchants and Gujarati traders along the Indian Ocean coast. During the colonial era, they faced challenges, including slave raids by neighboring groups like the Yao, who supplied slaves to Swahili-Arab traders and European plantations. Despite these adversities, the Makua maintained a vibrant culture.

Religiously, most Makua practice their traditional beliefs, worshiping a creator deity named Muluku, along with reverence for ancestors and nature spirits. However, Islam and Christianity have influenced some Makua communities, especially along the coast.

The Makua diaspora has spread globally due to colonial-era slave trading, with communities in countries such as South Africa, the United States, and the Indian Ocean islands. Despite this, the Makua have preserved their language, traditions, and resilience, showcasing a profound connection to their heritage.