manyattas

A manyatta is a traditional homestead or village found among various Bantu-speaking peoples of East Africa, most notably the Maasai and Kamba. These settlements are typically circular in layout and often enclosed by a protective fence made of acacia thorns or other thorny bushes. The purpose of this fencing is to deter predators and protect both the inhabitants and their livestock.

Within the manyatta, the dwellings, also referred to as manyattas, are usually constructed from local materials. These can include mud, dung, grass, and wood. The huts are often dome-shaped or conical and are designed to be cool in the hot climate. The size and complexity of a manyatta can vary depending on the specific community and its social structure. In many traditional settings, the manyatta served as a vital social and economic unit, providing security and a communal living space for extended families or clans. While modern housing has become more prevalent, the concept of the manyatta remains culturally significant and is sometimes recreated for cultural demonstrations or tourism.