Between Ghambageu and Jesus: The Encounter between Sonjo Traditional Leaders and Missionary Christianity

In English Ghambageu, the apotheosized cultural hero of the Sonjo of Northern Tanzania, has traditionally had many affinities with Jesus. During the last six decades of missionary efforts among the Sonjo, he has increasingly developed into a Jesus-like figure. Through this "inverted contextualization", linked with the use of traditional means of excercise of power through the control over irrigation water, the Sonjo leaders have been able to keep Christian influence at bay.