 Jumba La Mtwana
There are no written historical records of the town but ceramic evidence showed
that the town had been built in the fourteenth century but abandoned early in
the fifteenth century. The dating is based on the presence of a few shreds of
early blue and white porcelain with lung-chuan celadon, and the absence of any
later Chinese wares.
It is most likely the site's strategic position was selected because of the
presence of fresh water, exposure to the North East and South East breezes
which would keep the people cool and its safe location from external attacks by
sea since it had no harbor, thus larger vessels had to anchor along way
offshore, or move probably in Mtwapa creek. One can only therefore guess
reasons for its eventual desertion, namely trade interruption, hostile invasion
or a failure in water supply. Though there is need to pursue further research
on this.
 Jumba Ruins |
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Jumba la Mtwana a
picturesque ruined village is situated in Kilifi district, Coast province. The
site lies some 15 kilometers north of Mombasa on and above the beach some 1000
meters north of the mouth of Mtwapa creek; 4 kilometers from the
Mombasa-Malindi road and extends along the shore for a distance of about 300
meters and 250 meters inland. Its geographical location on Map is at Grid
Reference 855641 of Map sheet 198/4, Kenya Survey Map.
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