The Wagogo

"The Wagogo" is a comprehensive study of the predominant ethnic community in Central Tanzania. As the Author observes, the Wagogo people were described by an early traveler as “a powerful race, physically and intellectually the best of the races between Lake Tanganyika and the Indian Ocean". Westgate is a prolific, eloquent and persuasive writer. The reader is gripped by his graphic and detailed description of the early history of the land, people's customs and mores, social and economic life, their subtlety and self esteem. The book describes an aspect of the Wagogo self esteem which was repulsive to some travelers in the demand for a road toll, wrongly labeled as "hongo" which all passing caravans had to pay. The original "Wagogo" manuscript included a section on the missionary rivalries at the time, which I thought not edifying to the modern reader. "The Wagogo," described by pre-viewers as a "a gem" provides a critical resource for leaders and community workers serving in Central Tanzania. Although some of the facets of the Wagogo culture have changed due to modernization, a lot more still remains since traditions die hard.