ABSTRACT
Pate is located on the northern Swahili coast, in the Lamu Archipelago, Kenya. It is one of the earliest and most magnificent towns on this coast, exhibiting rich heritage in history, archaeology and architecture, and also intangible heritage ranging from crafts, building technology and religious festivals to food and foodways dating from hundreds of years ago. It is a Swahili town of deep historical significance that has played a major role in the construction and reconstruction of Swahili identity and place. This chapter provides a discussion of Pate and its people over time and space, as well as the dynamic relationship between the peoples of Pate, their environment and heritage resources.
