Nyamwezi, also called Banyamwesi,  Bantu-speaking inhabitants of
a wide area of the western region of Tanzania. Their language
and culture are closely related to those of the Sukuma.  The
Nyamwezi subsist primarily by cereal agriculture, their major
crops being sorghum, millet, and corn (maize). Rice is a
significant cash crop. The Nyamwezi have long been famous as
travellers and workers outside their own country; as porters
they became known throughout East Africa.  Though they once
lived in compact villages, the Nyamwezi have dispersed since the
19th century, living now in relatively scattered homesteads.
Marriage entails both a bride-price and bride service; polygyny
is permitted but limited in practice. Descent is through the
female line. The Nyamwezi have a number of secret societies that
require initiation and other ceremonies.  Chiefdoms were
formerly highly developed. Each had a hierarchy of territorial
officers culminating in that of the ntemi (“chief”). There was a
large aristocracy and an even larg