The Berta
The Berta, also known as Bertha, Funj, or Benishangul, are an ethnic group primarily found along the border regions of Sudan and Ethiopia. With a total population of approximately 390,000, they are split between Ethiopia, where they number 208,759, and Sudan, with around 180,000. The Berta people speak a Nilo-Saharan language distinct from the languages of their Nilo-Saharan neighbors such as the Gumuz and Uduk.
History and Migration
The Berta trace their origins to Sennar in eastern Sudan, the historical area of the Funj Sultanate, which existed from 1521 to 1804. During the 16th or 17th century, they migrated to western Ethiopia, settling in the modern-day Benishangul-Gumuz Region. The name “Benishangul” is derived from “Bela Shangul,” meaning “Rock of Shangul” in Arabic, referring to a sacred stone in the Menge woreda, one of their early settlement areas in Ethiopia.
Settlement and Architecture
Upon arrival, the Berta encountered significant territorial disputes with other Shangul communities. To protect themselves from slave raids from Sudan and secure their territory, they established villages in naturally defensible hills and mountains amidst rocky outcrops. This challenging terrain led to the construction of houses and granaries on stone pillars, a unique architectural feature documented by German traveler Ernst Marno in his 1874 book *Reisen im Gebiete des Blauen und Weissen Nil*. The Berta’s incorporation into Ethiopia occurred in 1896.
Societal Changes
In the 20th century, as conflicts and raids diminished, the Berta moved their villages from the hills to the more accessible valleys. During the 19th century, Benishangul was divided into several sheikhdoms, including Fadasi, Komosha, Gizen, and Asosa, with the most powerful being ruled by Sheikh Khoyele towards the century’s end.
### Religion and Cultural Relations
Predominantly followers of Islam, the Berta have cultural and linguistic ties with several neighboring ethnic groups, including the Gumuz, Uduk, and Wetawit. Despite the influence of these neighboring cultures, the Berta have maintained a distinct identity, with their unique language and traditions setting them apart in the region.
Conclusion
The Berta people have a rich history marked by migration, conflict, and adaptation. Their unique architectural practices and strategic settlement choices reflect their resilience and ingenuity in the face of historical challenges. Today, they continue to inhabit the border regions of Sudan and Ethiopia, contributing to the cultural tapestry of the area.
