The Tribal Society

The Chaoui people, also known as Shawiya, are a Berber ethnic group native to the Aurès Mountains in northeastern Algeria. They are one of the largest Berber-speaking communities in the country, with a population of approximately 2.87 million people. The name “Chaoui” is derived from the Berber word “Ich,” meaning “horn,” a reference to the Numidian god Amon, who is often depicted with a human head and ram’s horns. This name also evokes the traditional image of the Chaoui as herders and shepherds, further cementing their connection to the land and livestock. The Chaoui speak Shawiya, a variety of the Berber language, though Arabic and French have heavily influenced the…