YAO

The Yao were cultivators and traders in goods to and from the coast of the Indian Ocean. In the 19th century the Yao became involved in slave trading with wealthy Arabs and French plantation owners. This caused the Yao to become a very powerful and wealthy tribe. Neighbouring tribes became jealous and drove the Yao from their native land in northern Mozambique westward into Malawi and northward into Tanzania. Coastal Arabs influenced the powerful Yao chiefs greatly and they adopted part of the Arabic culture, as can be seen in their architecture, food, and clothing. Mass conversion to Islam took place during the latter part of the 19th century and early part of the 20th century. Islam strengthened the chiefs' control over their people as the religion increased their status and ties with the coastal contacts. The chiefs also thought that Islam would be a great unifying factor, especially during the beginnings of colonial rule.

Today, the largest concentration of Yao can be found in southern Malawi in and around the town of Mangochi. They are also scattered along the eastern border with Mozambique. Small communities can also be found in the cities of Blantyre and Zomba.

Although there remain strong animistic influences in the Yao culture and religion, they identify themselves as Muslims. Traditional Muslim skull caps (kofia) are considered to be as much a part of their culture as it is of their religion. Yaos are also closely bound by their Islamic/animistic culture. Headmen have executive powers over the various districts and fathers and elders have the final authority over their respective families. Boys, aged 7 and older, are circumcised. Passage ceremonies for both boys and girls are celebrated. Spirit mediums and traditional healers play important roles in Yao culture as animistic practices are widely accepted. Polygamy is also common and endorsed by society. Being a Muslim people, the Yao are hesitant to allow their children any form of Christian education. They are very protective of their culture and look to intrusion from outsiders with a great deal of suspicion.

Yao men converting to Christianity continue to wear the kofia as it still forms part of their culture. However, there is a difference in the appearance of the kofia, small crosses are intricately woven into the kofia around its entire circumference."

• Country: Malawi
• Population (Year): 9.9 million (1995)
• Major Religion: Christian
• Percent Christian: 81.1%
• Percent Evangelical: 11.3%
• Openness to missionaries: Open ??"

1. HAVE THEY HEARD THE GOSPEL?

Who is Jesus Christ to them?

4% Believe Jesus is the Son of God
96% Believe Jesus is a Prophet, Teacher, a Good Man, but not God's Son

2. HAVE THEY RESPONDED TO THE GOSPEL?

Believers to population: 1 believer to every 25 persons (total believers: 40 120)(4%)

3. DO THEY HAVE A CHURCH?

There is an indigenous Yao church with a worship style similar to the Muslim worship style. This is to keep the church Yao and not to alienate the Yao from their culture.

4. DOES THIS PEOPLE HAVE THE WORD OF GOD TRANSLATED INTO THEIR MOTHER TONGUE?

Yes.

5. ANY HINDRANCES TO SCRIPTURE DISTRIBUTION?

Yao people are very proud of their culture and usually avoid any form of Christian education.

6. WHAT OTHER FORMS OF GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

Literature: Yes
Radio: FEBA Radio
Films: Jesus Film broadcasts 15 minutes daily

7. ARE THEY RECEPTIVE TO CHANGE AND TO CHRISTIANITY?

No, they are protective of their culture and look to intrusion from outsiders with suspicion.

8. DO THEY REQUIRE ANY OUTSIDE (CROSS-CULTURAL) ASSISTANCE?

Yes, the gospel needs to be presented to them in a cultural acceptive way."