Wameru

Meru
Total population
2,000,000
Regions with significant populations
 Tanzania (Arumeru District, Arusha Region)
Languages
Rwo
Religion
Related ethnic groups
Koningo
Person Mmeru
People Wameru
Language Kimeru

The Meru (waMeru), also known as the Rwa, are a Meru-speaking Tanzanian ethnic and linguistic group native to the slopes of Mount Meru in Arusha Region. The Meru people share the same name with the Meru people of Kenya, but they are completely different ethnic groups each with their own unique history and identity.

The waMeru people are said to have arrived to the slopes of the great mountain around 800 years ago coming from the Usambara Mountains in Tanga Region. Upon arriving at the southeastern slopes of Mount Meru they were met by the hunter-gatherer group called the Koningo whom they absorbed into Meru society. The waMeru are known for their intensive agricultural practises.[1]

Today many descendants of Meru people still live in their homeland and Mount Meru and Arumeru District are named in their honor.

References

  1. ↑ Fosbrooke, Henry. "waMeru People". Arusha Integrated Regional Development Plan. p. 5. Retrieved 2016-09-17.
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