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The Shinasha people
The Shinasha people, also known as the Bworo or Boro, are an ethnic group residing in northwestern Ethiopia, particularly in the Metekel Zone of the Benishangul-Gumuz Region, north of the Blue Nile. Their language is part of the North Omotic family within the Omotic languages. The Shinasha community, numbering approximately 139,000, is characterized by its distinct cultural and social practices. Historically, the Shinasha have been noted for their unique customs and way of life. In 1901, explorer Oscar T. Crosby encountered them living in villages between the Durra and Wombera rivers. Crosby’s observations included descriptions of their houses, traditional attire, and practices, notably their claimed abilities in necromancy. According…
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The Saho people
The Saho people are an ethnic group predominantly found in the Horn of Africa, specifically in Eritrea and northern Ethiopia. With an estimated population ranging between 250,000 and 650,000, the Saho are a Cushitic-speaking community whose language, Saho, is a key element of their cultural identity. The majority of Saho people practice Sunni Islam, which deeply influences their cultural practices and societal norms. The Saho society is organized in a patrilineal and hierarchical structure. Their social organization revolves around tribes and clans, which play a central role in their community life. The primary units of social organization are tribes, known locally as meela, kisho, or qabila, which are further…
