Makonde

a people living mainly in southern Tanzania, between the Lukuledi and Ruvuma rivers, and partly in northeastern Mozambique. Numbering more than 700,000 (1970, estimate), the Makonde speak a language belonging to the eastern group of the Bantu language family. The majority are Muslims. Swahili and Arabic influence is discernible in their culture. The chief occupation is farming, although many Makonde are seasonal workers on sisal plantations and in the cities.