The research area of this study was once the focal point of colonial penetration in East Africa. The author traces evolution of ethnicity from the 15th century until the post-colonial period. She argues that ethnic group identification is used as a self-referent. People's perception of the present is a reflection of the colonial practice of dividing people into tribes. Yet, villagers in the Bagamoyo District stress commonality - another dimension of ethnic consciousness.
Contents: 1. Theoretical points at issue within the field of ethnicity – The pre-colonial situation – 2. The socio-economic and cultural development of the coast -- 3. Social and cultural processes in the western Bagamoyo district – The German Period -- 4. German colonial rule and ethnicity -- The British period -- 5. British colonial rule ethnicity -- Independent Tanzania -- 6. The development of ethnicity after independence