Wedding ceremonies and cultural exchange in an Indian Ocean port city: the case of Zanzibar Town

Wedding rituals in Zanzibar Town reflect its historical role as a cosmopolitan hub, blending local and foreign cultural influences. The study highlights the dynamic evolution of customs like 'singo' (scrubbing) and henna application ('kuchora na kupaka hina'), which have adapted to economic and political shifts while retaining their significance. By centering on women's narratives, the research reveals how these rituals embody shared identities and self-understandings, illustrating Zanzibar's unique cultural synthesis in the Indian Ocean. The approach combines historical analysis with ethnographic insights to trace ritual transformations over time.

Issa, A. A. (2012). Wedding ceremonies and cultural exchange in an Indian Ocean port city: the case of Zanzibar Town. Social Dynamics, 38(3), 467–478. https://doi.org/10.1080/02533952.2012.756720