.jpeg)
Chunya District Council is stepping up efforts to preserve Tanzania's cultural heritage by promoting indigenous customs, traditions and historical practices, including traditional bark-cloth attire once worn by local communities before independence.
At the ongoing Nane Nane agricultural exhibitions at the John Mwakangale Grounds in Mbeya, the council has drawn visitors with displays of traditional garments made from tree bark, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle and values of earlier generations.
Chunya District Tourism Officer Petro Haule said the exhibition is intended to encourage Tanzanians, particularly young people, to learn about and appreciate their cultural identity.
"These garments were worn by our ancestors and represent an important part of our history. By displaying them here, we want people to understand and value the traditions that shaped our communities," he told journalists at the district's exhibition pavilion.
Mr Haule said preserving cultural heritage is becoming increasingly important as communities face growing influence from foreign cultures and changing social norms.
The display includes bark-cloth shirts and trousers traditionally used by local communities, reflecting a period when clothing was made from natural materials available in the environment.
Beyond cultural artefacts, Chunya is also using the exhibition to promote its tourism potential. Among the district's key attractions is Mount Mwene, a site known for its cultural significance, biodiversity and historical importance to local communities.
According to Mr Haule, the mountain features caves, indigenous vegetation and wildlife, while also serving as a traditional reference point for weather forecasting, helping communities anticipate rainfall patterns and plan farming activities.
He said the area offers opportunities for research and educational tourism, particularly in environmental conservation, geography and cultural studies.
"Mount Mwene is not only a natural attraction but also a repository of cultural knowledge that has been passed down through generations," he said.
Traditional practices remain active around the mountain, where community elders continue to conduct customary ceremonies and prayers linked to rainfall and community wellbeing.
The Head of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation at Chunya District Council, Dr Theodori Lucas, said the district also hosts four tourist hunting blocks located in designated open areas, adding to its tourism portfolio.
He noted that Mount Mwene holds special significance for the Wasangu community and remains an important symbol of the district's cultural heritage.
Visitors to the Chunya pavilion welcomed the initiative, saying it provides an opportunity for younger generations to reconnect with Tanzania's history.
One visitor, Ms Elizabeth Kulwa, said the exhibition had reminded her of the values and sense of identity reflected in traditional ways of life.
"Many young people know little about how our ancestors lived. Exhibitions like this help preserve that knowledge and pass it on to future generations," she said.
The council believes that promoting cultural heritage alongside tourism can contribute to both community development and the preservation of Tanzania's diverse cultural identity.
