Notes on the history of the Lakeside Tonga of Nyasaland

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Periodical article

Title:	Notes on the history of the Lakeside Tonga of Nyasaland
Author:	Velsen, J. van
Year:	1959
Periodical:	African Studies
Volume:	18
Issue:	3
Pages:	105-117
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Malawi
Subjects:	history ethnic groups Tonga (Zambia, Zimbabwe) Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) History and Exploration
External link:	https://doi.org/10.1080/00020185908707082
Abstract:	The early history of the Lakside Tonga, before the arrival of the missionaries in the 1870s, is barely documented. One has to rely heavily on such such oral information as legends and genealogies. From a historical point of view these become more meaningful if one can view them in the light of present social and political realities. Conversely, from the standpoint of the social and political groups concerned, present realities find their justification in their legends and genealogies. And different groups may justify tiheir claims with different versions etc. This article is therefore not only an attempt to reconstruct the pre-1870 period; it is also a description of the way legends and genealogies are manipulated by the various factions to support present claims.