Lamu, the East African island perched placidly off of Kenya's southern coast, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited Swahili towns.
Lamu's Swahili history —
Lamu, the East African island perched placidly off of Kenya's southern coast, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited Swahili towns.
Simon Maina/AFP/Getty Images
Locals rely on traditional dhows to travel between the islands in the main archipelago.
Lamu's Swahili history —
Locals rely on traditional dhows to travel between the islands in the main archipelago.
Tony Karumba/AFP/Getty Images
There are no cars on the island -- the streets are too narrow and winding.
Lamu's Swahili history —
There are no cars on the island -- the streets are too narrow and winding.
As a result, locals use donkeys to navigate the roads.
Lamu's Swahili history —
As a result, locals use donkeys to navigate the roads.
Simon Maina/AFP/Getty Images
Donkeys also help transport one of the island's main commodities: coral stone.
Lamu's Swahili history —
Donkeys also help transport one of the island's main commodities: coral stone.
Coral reigns supreme throughout the island. Not only is coral stone strong, it's a few degrees cooler than cement, making it an ideal building resource in a region defined by its sweltering heat.
Lamu: A shrine to Swahili architecture —
Coral reigns supreme throughout the island. Not only is coral stone strong, it's a few degrees cooler than cement, making it an ideal building resource in a region defined by its sweltering heat.
Lamu also has a long history of foreign trade -- as is evidenced by the Arab, Indian, Persian and European influences in the local architecture.
Lamu: A shrine to Swahili architecture —
Lamu also has a long history of foreign trade -- as is evidenced by the Arab, Indian, Persian and European influences in the local architecture.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Indian visitors introduced arches and balconies into Swahili architecture.
Lamu: A shrine to Swahili architecture —
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Indian visitors introduced arches and balconies into Swahili architecture.
Lamu is awash in Swahili ruins. The Takwa Mosque (pictured), which flourished in the 16th and 17th centuries, is a prime example of how foreign styles influenced local architecture.
Lamu: A shrine to Swahili architecture —
Lamu is awash in Swahili ruins. The Takwa Mosque (pictured), which flourished in the 16th and 17th centuries, is a prime example of how foreign styles influenced local architecture.
The mosque was ultimately abandoned due to a poor water supply, but its ruins are a portal to the past.
Lamu: A shrine to Swahili architecture —
The mosque was ultimately abandoned due to a poor water supply, but its ruins are a portal to the past.