Pokomo & Bajuni cultural heritage
Discover the traditions, languages, stories and artifacts of the Pokomo and Bajuni peoples — digitised in 3D, recorded from elders and curated with the National Museums of Kenya.
Why this archive exists
Indigenous dialects, oral poetry and the craft knowledge of coastal families are passed down by voice and by hand. This platform records them with communities — so they can be seen, heard and learned anywhere.
Our mission
To preserve, revitalise and promote the cultural heritage of the Pokomo and Bajuni communities through AI, digital archives and community-driven storytelling.
Our vision
A future where the languages, oral histories, artifacts and traditions of coastal Kenya are digitally preserved, widely accessible and celebrated by future generations.
From the collection
Turn them in 3D, study their details and read the stories communities tell about them.
Two communities, one coast
The histories, environments and languages of the peoples shaping this archive.
Maritime civilisation · Lamu archipelago
Language: Kibajuni
One of the oldest coastal communities of the northern Kenyan coast and the Lamu islands, with an identity bound to the Indian Ocean — renowned for seafaring, dugout-canoe fishing and dhow building, and a blend of African, Arab and Swahili civilisations. Kibajuni carries rich maritime vocabulary and proverbs of unity, courage and respect for the sea.
Explore Bajuni artifacts
Riverine custodians · Tana River basin
Language: Kipokomo
Farmers and river custodians of the lower Tana floodplains, with deep ecological knowledge and basket-fishing techniques passed down the generations. Life is organised around extended families and elders, guided by consensus. Kipokomo holds river folktales that teach patience, cooperation and respect for nature.
Explore Pokomo artifactsWays in
Photorealistic scans of objects you can rotate, zoom and even place in your room with AR.
Mashairi, folktales and songs recorded directly from poets and elders.
Everyday phrases in Kibajuni and Kipokomo, with an AI translator on the way.
Classroom resources and a heritage quiz aligned with Kenya’s CBC curriculum.
Hold an heirloom or a story? Join as a contributor and help build the archive.
An immersive 3D gallery with a guide who speaks English, Kiswahili and Kibajuni.
This archive belongs to its communities
Families, fishermen, farmers, youth and researchers in Lamu, Tana River and Mombasa are adding objects, photographs and recordings. Every submission is reviewed by National Museums of Kenya curators.
